There may not be an ounce of Nordic genetic material in me, but I long ago embraced the core concepts of a "hygge" lifestyle. Hygge, (commonly pronounced "hoo-gah or hue-guh") is a Norwegian word meaning coziness.

The hygge or Nordic approach to life is all about finding positivity and gratitude in the everyday - - every day. Well, perhaps I have only adapted the cozy part. I'm still working on the gratitude and positivity thing.

Once again Cinema Falls has taken the Viking by the horns and is presenting the 2nd Annual Nordic Film Festival, at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Sioux Falls, on Saturday, November 9, from 10 AM to 10:30 PM.

The roster of films ranges from Oscar winner Babette's Feast, to an "edge-of-your-seat" thriller, to a film festival entry from a former Augie grad and current NYU film student, Maria Lavelle.

This year the festival has added food and folk art events to round out your Nordic experience. They've partnered with Plum's Cooking for two gourmet Nordic cuisine events this week and they've added a "slightly Scandinavian" Smorgasbord which will be held at the theater from 5:30 to 6:30 PM that night for those who purchase the special meal ticket in addition to the film pass. (Unfortunately, the meal tickets may be sold out already!)

On the day of the festival, they will be hosting a Minneapolis artist who will demonstrate woodworking and woodturning in the Orpheum lobby.

You don't need to be a "Norskie" or "Scandihoovian" to enjoy this immersive experience, and no, there is no lutefisk on the menu!

For more information see Cinema Falls, online and on Facebook.


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