JOURNAL ARTICLE

Horror in Finnish children's cinema and film literacy: A case study of Iris.

  • Published In: Journal of Scandinavian Cinema, 2024, v. 14, n. 3. P. 235 1 of 3

  • Database: Film & Television Literature Index with Full Text 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Kovanen, Marjo 3 of 3

Abstract

This article examines the cultural and aesthetic significance of horror elements in Finnish children's cinema, focusing on the 2011 film *Iris* by Ulrika Bengts as a case study. It situates *Iris* within a Nordic arthouse-oriented children's horror subgenre that contrasts with Anglo-American children's horror by emphasizing tonal, thematic, and intertextual horror elements rather than overt monstrosity or grotesque comedy. The study highlights how *Iris* employs horror aesthetics—such as uncanny nightmares, symbolic references to art and film history, and oral storytelling—to explore themes of childhood fears, abandonment, and death. Additionally, the article proposes a pedagogical model integrating multiliteracy and intertextual close reading to enhance film literacy and active spectatorship in educational settings, advocating for a student-centered approach that values children’s diverse media experiences and interpretations.

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of Scandinavian Cinema. 2024/09, Vol. 14, Issue 3, p235
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Film
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:2042-7891
  • DOI:10.1386/jsca_00122_1
  • Accession Number:181681459
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