My Uncle Jens

Akam is a young and promising literature teacher in Oslo, Norway, leading a quiet and predictable life. When an uncle from the Iranian part of Kurdistan suddenly shows up at his doorstep, that seems to come to an end. Akam shares the flat with friends, but feels he has no choice but to invite his uncle to stay for a few days. 

Uncle “Jens” Khdr doesn't need to be asked twice and doesn't seem to have any intention of leaving any time soon. Now that they are living on top of each other, tensions and irritations begin to grow. Especially when Akam suspects that his uncle's arrival on his doorstep was not just a coincidence. What follows is a series of revelations and unexpected events. Although they could have life-changing consequences, Akam feels a familial duty to continue to house his uncle. A tragicomic story about family and personal boundaries, but also about immigration and finding common ground in cultural differences.

My Uncle Jens, the feature film debut of director Brwa Vahabpour, is surprisingly charming and full of introspection. Vahabpour, who also wrote the screenplay, manages to treat a subject that could easily become sombre in other hands with humour and warmth. Through the experience of two generations of immigrants, he reminds us that humour can build bridges, even in moments of cultural and generational conflict.