The Stockholm International Film Festival officially closed November 25th with a screening of "E! Audience Award winner," The Station Agent. Tipped as the favorite of the festival, the film lived up to its reputation from beginning to end. It is not hard to understand why the film won the hearts of the Stockholm audience. The area where the story takes place in Newfoundland NJ is a little like a small Swedish town, set far away from everything, where people speak slowly, and savor their words in the midst of glorious nature.

The Station Agent is the kind of film like Fargo that will eternally endear us to the character of Fin played by Peter Dinklage - a role that Dinklage wholeheartedly embodies as Francis McDormand does "Marge". On hand is Olivia, the impeccable Patricia Clarkson - that "sexy older lady" as Cuban American and hot dog vendor Joe Oramas(Bobby Cannavale) puts it. "For a good time call Joe", he scribbles on her note pad. (For a good time, see The Station Agent!).

There's also 11 year old Cleo (Raven Goodwin) that invites Finn to her school to speak about trains. Ironically enough we learn that the first train was built by Peter Cooper in 1829 and was appropriately called "Tom Thumb".

Independent film director and script writer Thomas McCarthy was on hand for the final screening of the ten day festival, enjoying chips, beer and making farewells - and said he's going back to New York "to relax", adding that the Stockholm festival was one of the best festival experienced he's had. His film took 20 days to make, receiving assistance from Sundance and now distribution by Miramax.

The Stockholm fest short film award winner WASP by Andrea Arnold was also screened, a grainy realist essay from the UK.

Moira Sullivan

Nordic Correspondent