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Is European film having a moment?

We're right in the middle of awards season but if I told you that one of the most nominated films of this year is a small-scale Norwegian family drama about an ageing director's difficult relationship with his estranged daughters, you might not believe me. And yet, Sentimental Value from the Norwegian-Danish director Joachim Trier is generating real buzz and has been ever since it was shown at the Cannes festival - it was met with a nineteen minute standing ovation and the Grand Prix. It's now up for nine Oscars. Not bad for what is a decidedly unshowy affair - the nuanced acting and the dialogue are the stars - and yet by the end, it proves deeply affecting and thought-provoking. Newshour's James Menendez asked Joachim Trier what the film is all about.

(Director Joachim Trier and cast member Renate Reinsve, pose during a photocall for the film "Sentimental Value" at the Cannes Film Festival. Credit: Reuters/Benoît Tessier)

Release date:

Duration:

10 minutes