About the Movie
My Uncle Jens is a Norwegian-Romanian-Italian co-production directed by Brwa Vahabpour. The film follows Akam, a young literature teacher in Oslo, whose life is disrupted by an unexpected visit from his estranged uncle from the Iranian part of Kurdistan. What begins as a temporary stay soon turns into an extended, uncomfortable cohabitation that forces Akam to confront cultural tensions, family obligations, and personal boundaries.
Plot Summary
Akam enjoys a peaceful and independent life in Oslo, sharing a flat with friends. One day, his uncle arrives unannounced from Kurdistan, seeking accommodation. Initially expecting a short visit, Akam welcomes him into his home. However, the uncle quickly makes himself comfortable, showing no intention of leaving. His traditional ways, intrusive nature, and unfamiliarity with Akam’s lifestyle create constant friction, leading to humorous yet deeply emotional moments. As tensions rise, Akam must navigate the balance between respecting his heritage and maintaining his autonomy, leading to a dramatic and thought-provoking resolution.
Director’s Vision
Brwa Vahabpour, in his feature film debut, aims to explore the complexities of cultural identity, generational differences, and the challenges of assimilation. Drawing from personal experiences, he presents a story that balances humor and drama, portraying the nuanced struggles of immigrants adapting to new environments while maintaining connections to their heritage. The film invites audiences to reflect on the challenges of bridging two worlds and the sacrifices that come with honoring family obligations.
Themes
Cultural Identity and Assimilation – The film examines the challenges immigrants face while trying to balance their native cultural values with those of their new home.
Family Obligations vs. Personal Freedom – Akam’s internal struggle highlights the difficult choices between familial responsibilities and self-determination.
Generational and Traditional Conflicts – The story contrasts the perspectives of older, more traditional generations with younger, modern individuals navigating identity in a globalized world.
The Immigrant Experience – My Uncle Jens sheds light on the struggles, sacrifices, and humor embedded in immigrant life, making it highly relatable.
Key Success Factors
Authentic Storytelling – The film presents a genuine and heartfelt depiction of the immigrant experience.
Relatable Characters – The well-developed and multidimensional characters make the story compelling and emotionally engaging.
Balance of Humor and Drama – The movie successfully merges lighthearted moments with deeper emotional and social themes.
Cultural Relevance – My Uncle Jens resonates with contemporary conversations around migration, integration, and family expectations.
Short Summary
My Uncle Jens is a comedic yet touching exploration of an immigrant’s struggle with cultural expectations, identity, and personal space when his overbearing uncle overstays his welcome in his small Oslo apartment. The film humorously yet poignantly captures the tensions between tradition and modernity, duty and desire, ultimately offering a relatable and heartfelt cinematic experience.
Awards and Nominations
SXSW Film Festival 2025 – Official Selection
Cannes International Film Festival 2025 – Nominated for Best First Feature
Norwegian Film Awards 2025 – Nominated for Best Screenplay
Critical Reception
The film premiered at SXSW 2025 and has received praise for its authentic storytelling and strong character development. Critics have highlighted its successful blend of humor and drama.
Screen Anarchy – Commended the film’s honest depiction of the immigrant experience and its ability to balance comedy with emotional depth.
Weekly Wilson – Described My Uncle Jens as "an intimate, humorous, and insightful look at family tensions and cultural identity."
Cineuropa – Applauded the film’s nuanced storytelling and engaging performances, particularly from Peiman Azizpour.
Online Reviews
Screen Anarchy – Praised the film’s unique approach to immigrant narratives and its relatable humor.
Weekly Wilson – Noted the strong performances and the film’s engaging balance between tension and comedy.
Cineuropa – Highlighted the director’s fresh perspective on generational and cultural conflicts.
Production
Produced by Renée Hansen Mlodyszewski, My Uncle Jens was filmed in Norway and features a collaboration of Norwegian, Romanian, and Italian production teams. The film’s production design and cinematography effectively capture the contrast between Akam’s structured life and the disruption caused by his uncle.
Production Companies
Rohfilm Productions (Norway)
Mobra Films (Romania)
Intramovies (Italy)
Sales and Distribution Companies
Sales Company: Intramovies
Distributor: Scandinavian Films
Release Dates
Theatrical Release: Premiered at SXSW 2025, with a European release scheduled for late 2025.
Streaming Release: Expected on European VOD platforms and international streaming services in early 2026.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28514971/
Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/474840
Why to Recommend This Movie
A humorous yet meaningful exploration of cultural tensions.
Strong performances and well-crafted storytelling.
A perfect mix of comedy and drama that resonates with a wide audience.
Why You Should Watch My Uncle Jens
Insightful Narrative – Offers a fresh and personal take on immigrant struggles.
Balanced Tone – Successfully blends humor with thought-provoking themes.
Universal Themes – Tackles family, culture, and identity in a way that resonates globally.
Festival Recognition – Screened at major international film festivals, indicating its quality and appeal.
Movie Trend: Immigrant Experience Dramas
My Uncle Jens follows the trend of Immigrant Experience Dramas, reflecting the complexities of cultural identity, generational gaps, and personal transformation. It aligns with films like The Farewell and A Man Called Ove in portraying the often humorous yet deeply emotional aspects of migration and integration.
Big Social Trend: Global Migration and Integration
The film resonates with the larger Global Migration and Integration trend, addressing the challenges faced by individuals navigating new cultural landscapes while staying connected to their roots.
Final Verdict
My Uncle Jens is a heartfelt, engaging, and insightful film that explores the immigrant experience through humor and drama. With strong performances, a well-crafted screenplay, and international recognition, it stands out as a must-watch for those interested in stories about cultural identity, family obligations, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world.
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