In the post-war period, reaching from 1946 to 1965, many young, unmarried women left their pietistic home in Agder, south of Norway, and emigrated to New York to find work. What met them was a completely new world – an American consumer society which gave them the opportunity to form a new identity and find freedom. Many of them later returned home to Norway, and brought American customs and a new way of life, shaping Norwegian society in a more modern direction. Through intimate and heartfelt stories from six of the women, combined with unique archive footage, we get an insight into their lives at the time. They each tell the story of their grand life journey with humor and wit. The documentary film sheds light on timeless topics, such as social control, women’s liberation, migration, and the American dream – topics that are still highly relevant today. This is the last chance to hear these women tell their own stories, which makes this documentary both touching, entertaining and historically valuable.

Special Introduction by Director Gunhild Westhagen Magnor 9-9.15am.

Tornedalen 1867: Disaster and death eventually force Maria Greta towards the northern coast. Here even the poorest of the poor become rich. Oldemors Reise takes the audience on a journey of perseverance and growth, answering the question that stays throughout the entire film, what remains of the Kven heritage today?

*North American Premiere*