Linnea Larsdotter Mikkelä: Crafting Cinematic and Poetic Legacies Under the Nordic Banner in New York

From the windswept shores of Smygehamn, Sweden, to the bustling creative epicenter of New York City, Linnea Larsdotter Mikkelä has always been a storyteller. A filmmaker, producer, poet, and visionary, Mikkelä now channels her Nordic roots and global perspective into shaping Nordic Artists of New York (NANY), where art and activism converge under the aurora of collaboration.

From Coastal Sweden to New York’s Film Frontier
Raised in the quaint fishing village of Smygehamn, Linnea’s childhood by the Baltic Sea instilled in her a deep reverence for nature and narrative. This duality propelled her to New York, where she pursued film studies, blending her Scandinavian sensibilities with the city’s relentless energy. In 2014, she co-founded the Nordic International Film Festival (NIFF), now the largest Nordic film festival outside Europe and a Top 10 New York cultural staple. Under her leadership, NIFF has become a beacon for sustainability and diversity, championing underrepresented voices—a mission that mirrors NANY’s ethos.

NIFF: A Platform for Change
As NIFF’s co-founder, Linnea redefined what a film festival could be. “Film is so much more than just entertainment—it’s a lens to examine our world, and our place and responsibility in it.” she says. NIFF’s focus on eco-conscious practices and bold storytelling has earned acclaim, screening award-winning films that tackle themes from climate justice to cultural identity. Her own productions, often collaborations spanning continents, amplify marginalized perspectives, cementing her reputation as a producer who bridges art and impact.

Poetry Beyond Borders—and Earth
Linnea’s creativity transcends film. Her poetry, published in anthologies like A Quilted Heart and For Women Who Roar, explores themes of heritage and resilience. In a cosmic twist, her work now resides in a LunArc capsule on the moon—a testament to her belief that art should defy limits. “Poetry did something different to me than writing for the screen,” she reflects. “It’s about connecting humanity, and exploring our deepest, most flawed and honest selves.”

NANY: Weaving Threads of Art and Activism
For Linnea, joining NANY’s production team was a natural fit. She brings NIFF’s legacy of Nordic unity and sustainability to NANY’s True North 2025 Earth Day showcase, curating film segments that intertwine environmental narratives with Nordic-Baltic artistry. “NANY isn’t just showcasing talent—it’s igniting dialogue between artists and their artistic expression,” she explains. “By merging film, poetry, and dance with green initiatives, we’re crafting a manifesto for the future. We are all responsible to be and do better.”

Her role also leverages NIFF’s partnerships to expand NANY’s network, fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations. “Art and sustainability are threads of the same tapestry. At NANY, we’re weaving these into a story that resonates globally,” she says.

True North: A Cinematic Ode to Earth
As True North 2025 takes shape, Linnea envisions an immersive experience where film projections meet live performances, all echoing NANY’s environmental pledge. “This is where tradition meets urgency.”

Beyond the event, Linnea sees NANY as an open arms family for Nordic-Baltic artists: “We’re building a haven for creators who, like me, straddle two worlds. Here, they can root themselves in the community while reaching new heights.” Great!

Join Linnea Larsdotter Mikkelä and Nordic Artists of New York at True North 2025 on Earth Day, April 22, 2025, at the New York Estonian House. Discover her celestial poetry and NANY’s mission at www.nordicartistsofnewyork.com.