My Uncle Jens

“My Uncle Jens” Premieres at SXSW 2025: A Thought-Provoking Exploration of Immigration

At SXSW 2025, audiences were introduced to “My Uncle Jens,” a powerful film that delves into the life of an immigrant trying to navigate the complicated system of asylum and belonging. This feature film, which marks the debut of director and screenwriter Brwa Vahabpour, is a Norwegian-Romanian collaboration that brings a personal and poignant story to the screen. Drawing on Vahabpour’s own experiences as an Iranian Kurd, the film weaves a compelling narrative about the struggles of fitting into a new country while carrying the weight of a painful past. The Plot of “My Uncle Jens” The story follows Akam (Peiman Azizpour), a young literature teacher in Oslo, Norway, who finds his life upended by the sudden arrival of his estranged uncle, Khdr (Hamza Agoshi), who has adopted the Norwegian name “Jens” to better blend in. This name change, though seemingly small, symbolizes the identity struggles faced by many immigrants who are trying to fit into a foreign culture. Jens’s unexpected visit to Akam’s cramped apartment raises suspicions. Akam’s initial shock soon turns to frustration as his uncle, who has no real connection to Akam or his family, makes himself at home, disregarding boundaries and norms. From constantly smoking and leaving messes to taking Akam’s only bed, Jens seems to have no intention of leaving, despite claiming that his visit is temporary. As the days pass, Akam begins to uncover unsettling details about his uncle’s life in Norway. He learns that Jens has been frequenting a local café owned by Hussein, and it soon becomes clear that his uncle might be staying longer than expected—and possibly even illegally. Akam’s concern deepens when he suspects that his uncle’s status in Norway could lead to serious consequences for both of them. An Exploration of Immigration “My Uncle Jens” effectively highlights the psychological and personal struggles that come with immigration, particularly when an individual is forced to assume a new identity to survive. The film touches on themes of displacement, guilt, and the harsh realities faced by those seeking asylum in a foreign land. As Akam learns more about the immigration laws in Norway, he becomes increasingly conflicted. The rules for visitors are strict: proof of return to the country of origin, employment, and proper documentation are required for a legal stay. This information, provided by Elena (Sarah Frances Braenne), an immigration officer with whom Akam forms a relationship, only complicates Akam’s decision on whether to turn his uncle in. The film takes a sharp turn when Akam contemplates turning his uncle in anonymously, but a moment of realization stops him—if he does so, he would implicate himself as well. The pressure of making a morally and legally difficult decision builds throughout the film, culminating in a tense confrontation between Akam and his uncle. A Complicated Family Dynamic Beyond the broader themes of immigration, “My Uncle Jens” is a story about family, identity, and loyalty. Akam’s relationship with his uncle is strained, and the arrival of Jens forces him to confront the complexities of his own identity as an immigrant. Akam’s father was a Peshmerga Freedom Fighter, and his family history has always been tied to struggle and resistance. In contrast, his uncle’s journey is marked by trauma and survival, showing how deeply the past shapes the present. The dynamic between Akam and his uncle is both tense and heartbreaking. Jens’s backstory—his dangerous escape from Iran, his time in refugee camps, and the ultimate rejection of his asylum application—adds depth to his character. His actions, although often frustrating and invasive, stem from a place of desperation and survival. This complexity makes Jens both a sympathetic and antagonistic figure. The Immigrant Experience in Focus The film underscores the very real and human costs of immigration, showing not only the legal and bureaucratic hurdles but also the emotional toll it takes on the individual. Uncle Jens’s journey from Iran to Norway—through Istanbul and Greece, facing rejection and uncertainty—mirrors the struggles of countless immigrants trying to find a safer, better life in a new country. The film uses symbolism, such as a modernized version of the fairy tale Three Billy Goats Bluff, written by one of Akam’s students, to reflect the harsh realities faced by immigrants trying to fit into a foreign culture. The story within the story highlights the challenges of language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and the psychological toll of trying to belong. A Cinematic Achievement “My Uncle Jens” is a beautifully crafted film, with strong performances, a compelling script, and striking cinematography by Jorgen Kluver. The music by Kastel complements the narrative, enhancing the emotional depth of the story. Both Peiman Azizpour (Akam) and Hamza Agoshi (Jens) deliver outstanding performances, bringing their characters to life in a way that feels both raw and authentic. One detail that may seem odd is the use of an old-fashioned wall phone, which seems out of place in a modern-day setting. However, this could be a deliberate choice by director Vahabpour to create a sense of nostalgia or to symbolize the cyclical nature of Akam’s story, as the phone rings at both the beginning and end of the film. Final Thoughts “My Uncle Jens” is more than just a film about immigration—it is a poignant exploration of the personal and emotional struggles that immigrants face when they are forced to leave everything behind in search of a better life. It speaks to the universal desire for safety, belonging, and the pursuit of dreams in a new world, while also addressing the harsh realities of what it means to be an immigrant. Brwa Vahabpour’s debut feature film tackles difficult questions about identity, family, and the immigrant experience with sensitivity and depth. The film reminds us that, at its core, immigration is not just about paperwork and legalities, but about the very real lives and dreams of the people involved. Through its nuanced portrayal of Akam, Jens, and their complex relationship, My Uncle Jens offers a powerful commentary on the immigrant journey—one that resonates on a deeply human level.

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Mortal Kombat 2

Mortal Kombat Fans: Prepare for the Final Round on Netflix This December

Fans of the Mortal Kombat franchise have enjoyed the bloody, action-packed thrill of the 2021 live-action adaptation, which earned praise for staying true to the essence of the video game. Directed by Simon McQuoid and starring Lewis Tan as Cole Young, the film set up a new chapter in the beloved series. If you haven’t had the chance to experience this adrenaline-fueled spectacle yet, now is the time to do so—because Mortal Kombat will be leaving Netflix on December 16, 2024. Mortal Kombat 2021: A Game-Changer for Fans Since its release on April 23, 2021, Mortal Kombat has been a hit with both fans and critics. With a box office gross of $84.4 million against a budget of $55 million, it became the highest-grossing Mortal Kombat film to date. It was a reboot that breathed new life into the franchise, which previously had two live-action movies released in the 1990s. The 2021 movie brings the best elements of the Mortal Kombat video games to life, delivering the over-the-top violence and iconic fatalities that fans have come to expect. The plot follows Cole Young, a washed-up martial artist, as he teams up with other Earthrealm fighters to thwart the Outworld’s plans of domination. Featuring fan-favorite characters like Sub-Zero and Scorpion, the film delivers thrilling action sequences and, of course, excessive blood and gore—a nod to the video games’ infamous reputation. Despite some criticisms, particularly regarding pacing and character development, the film is widely regarded as the best live-action Mortal Kombat movie to date. Its Rotten Tomatoes score may be divisive—with critics giving it a modest 55% rating—but the audience score tells a different story, with a much more favorable 86%. This sets it apart from earlier Mortal Kombat films, such as the 1995 version (47% critic, 58% audience) and its 1997 sequel, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (4% critic, 24% audience). What stands out about the 2021 reboot is how well it caters to Mortal Kombat fans. The filmmakers took great care in preserving the essence of the game, including the brutal fight scenes and the iconic fatalities that fans crave. This is a movie made for those who grew up with the franchise, delivering nostalgic moments and brutal action while introducing a fresh new storyline. A Farewell to Netflix: Get It Before It’s Gone If you’re a Mortal Kombat fan who’s yet to watch the film, time is running out to stream it on Netflix. The movie will be leaving the platform on December 16, 2024. However, don’t despair—Mortal Kombat will still be available on Max for streaming, so you can continue to enjoy the action even after it’s removed from Netflix. For those who prefer physical media, now might be the perfect time to pick up a DVD or Blu-ray copy. With prices for Mortal Kombat available for under $10 on platforms like Amazon, you can own this bloody masterpiece and watch it whenever the mood strikes. Mortal Kombat 2: The Next Chapter Arrives in 2025 While Mortal Kombat 2021 might be leaving Netflix, fans of the franchise can look forward to the upcoming sequel, Mortal Kombat 2, which is slated for release on October 24, 2025. The follow-up will see Lewis Tan return as Cole Young, alongside Hiroyuki Sanada as Scorpion. The most exciting casting news is the addition of Karl Urban, known for his roles in Star Trek, the MCU, and The Boys, who will take on the role of Johnny Cage—a fan-favorite character and martial artist extraordinaire. Though plot details for Mortal Kombat 2 are still under wraps, principal photography wrapped up earlier this year, after a delay caused by the SAG-AFTRA strikes. Fans can expect the same intense violence and thrilling fight scenes that made the first movie such a hit, with hopefully even more fatalities and character-driven action. The Mortal Kombat Legacy Continues As we approach December 16 and the departure of the 2021 Mortal Kombat film from Netflix, it’s a great time to revisit the epic action movie that successfully brought the video game to life. The Mortal Kombat franchise has cemented its place in popular culture, and with the sequel on the horizon, it looks like the battle for Earthrealm is far from over. If you haven’t experienced the 2021 movie yet, don’t wait until it’s too late—watch it now and get ready for the next round when Mortal Kombat 2 hits theaters in 2025.

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