Sweden’s Göteborg Film Festival is set to introduce a unique feature at its upcoming event in 2026: a lie detector test. This initiative aims to engage attendees in a dialogue about the concept of truth, which is central to the festival’s program.
Festival organizers have announced that participants will have the chance to take a polygraph test conducted by Ørjan Hesjedal, a professional in the field. This testing will take place in a specially designed interrogation room, outfitted with the appropriate equipment to create an authentic experience. Although participation in this test is voluntary, it is expected to attract considerable interest.
The setting is intended to simulate a high-pressure environment typical of investigative scenarios, complete with cameras and monitoring devices to heighten the experience. This approach aligns with a trend in live events that explore critical human issues in immersive ways. For instance, in a previous initiative, a Swedish emergency nurse spent an isolated week in a lighthouse while having access to films from the festival, reflecting on the changes in film consumption during the pandemic.
The focus on truth is articulated through a key question posed by the festival: “What is truth worth today?” In a novel twist, audience members who successfully pass the truth test will receive a “Truth Ticket,” which grants access to festival screenings. This initiative is described as a way to emphasize the value of honesty, suggesting that truth can have tangible rewards.
Göteborg’s Artistic Director, Pia Lundberg, explained that the festival aims to address the evolving perception of truth in today’s society. By treating truth as a form of currency, the festival encourages participants to consider its worth and implications. The initiative positions honesty as a concept with real significance, particularly in an era where individual narratives often dominate over objective facts.
Additionally, the festival released a humorous black comedy clip featuring actor Alexander Karim as an interrogator. In the clip, he reflects on methods to measure truth alongside another Swedish actor, David Dencik, who exhibits some unconventional techniques in a darkly comedic manner.
As part of its exploration of truth, the festival will screen various films that tackle this theme. Notable titles include “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” a docudrama shortlisted for an Academy Award; “No Comment,” a political satire from Norway; and several others that have received acclaim at international film festivals, including “The Disappearance of Josef Mengele” and “Re-Creation.”
The 49th Göteborg Film Festival is scheduled to take place from January 23 to February 1, 2026, promising an engaging examination of truth through innovative experiences and cinematic storytelling.
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This article was written and reviewed by the Cozy Corner Daily editorial team.
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