Göteborg Film Festival's Lie Detector Test Aims to Highlight the Importance of Truth in an Age of Deception
In a bold experiment, Sweden's prestigious Göteborg Film Festival is introducing a lie detector test as part of its 2026 festivities. The initiative, which aims to raise questions about the value and significance of truth in today's society, promises to be an immersive experience for participants.
Taking place within an interrogation room set up specifically for the occasion, individuals will undergo a polygraph examination conducted by Ørjan Hesjedal, a real-life specialist. While the test is voluntary, it's likely to attract significant interest due to its unique nature and high-stakes implications.
This concept aligns with other recent live-event simulations that tackle high-profile issues, such as social distancing during the pandemic and the sole experience of film and TV consumption. A notable example from 2021 was Swedish emergency nurse Lisa Enroth's seven-day stay on a remote island where she watched 60 films without any technology.
As part of its Truth Focus initiative, the festival will also screen a selection of films that explore the concept of truth. These include "The Voice of Hind Rajab," an Oscar-shortlisted docudrama, as well as "Re-Creation" and "No Comment." The latter is a political spin satire from Norway's Petter Næss.
This 49th edition of Göteborg Film Festival will run from January 23 to February 1. With its blend of experiential storytelling and thought-provoking themes, the festival promises to spark meaningful conversations about the importance of truth in an age where it's often commodified or overlooked.
In a bold experiment, Sweden's prestigious Göteborg Film Festival is introducing a lie detector test as part of its 2026 festivities. The initiative, which aims to raise questions about the value and significance of truth in today's society, promises to be an immersive experience for participants.
Taking place within an interrogation room set up specifically for the occasion, individuals will undergo a polygraph examination conducted by Ørjan Hesjedal, a real-life specialist. While the test is voluntary, it's likely to attract significant interest due to its unique nature and high-stakes implications.
This concept aligns with other recent live-event simulations that tackle high-profile issues, such as social distancing during the pandemic and the sole experience of film and TV consumption. A notable example from 2021 was Swedish emergency nurse Lisa Enroth's seven-day stay on a remote island where she watched 60 films without any technology.
As part of its Truth Focus initiative, the festival will also screen a selection of films that explore the concept of truth. These include "The Voice of Hind Rajab," an Oscar-shortlisted docudrama, as well as "Re-Creation" and "No Comment." The latter is a political spin satire from Norway's Petter Næss.
This 49th edition of Göteborg Film Festival will run from January 23 to February 1. With its blend of experiential storytelling and thought-provoking themes, the festival promises to spark meaningful conversations about the importance of truth in an age where it's often commodified or overlooked.
i think its such a cool idea! its like, theyre taking something so serious and intense, like an interrogation, and making it into this huge art project. and pairing it with these sick films that all explore the concept of truth... its gonna be such a wild ride! 
its like a dream come true for movie buffs!
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but I guess it's kinda cool they're trying to highlight the importance of truth in today's society. Can't wait for the part where someone gets caught lying 
and has to answer all the questions [Image of a person stuck in a loop of answering "yes" or "no"]
What's the point of it all though? Is it just a cool gimmick or is there something more serious going on? 
I'm not sure how many people would be willing to go through with it, but at the same time, it could lead to some really interesting conversations about honesty and trust... maybe that's what they're aiming for? 
. And what about people who might be anxious or stressed already? Does it really need to get any more uncomfortable than that 
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. And if it makes people think about honesty in a new way, that's all good 
. But let's be real, who wants to watch 60 films without tech? That sounds like some sort of movie marathon torture device 
[Image of a person stuck in a movie theater with no Wi-Fi](https://i.imgur.com/MfFzK3q.jpg)
! The Göteborg Film Festival is like totally on point with its Truth Focus initiative. I mean, think about it - a lie detector test at a film festival? It's like, what better way to explore the complexities of truth in today's society? And pairing it with some thought-provoking films that delve into this theme? Game-changer 
The whole thing just feels so immersive and engaging - I can already imagine the conversations it'll spark. Fingers crossed it becomes a huge hit and inspires even more meaningful discussions about truth and deception. 
and i'm defo down for watching some thought-provoking films too 
. A lie detector test at a film festival could be a super interesting way to spark some conversations about truth and how we consume it. And I love that they're screening films that explore this concept - like "The Voice of Hind Rajab" which is an Oscar-shortlisted docudrama, sounds really powerful 
. And I love the idea of screening films that tackle this theme - "The Voice of Hind Rajab" sounds like a must-watch! 
It's like, the ultimate truth-testing experience right? And they'll also be screening these sick films about truth and deception 
I'm all in for this festival! Can't wait to see what other amazing experiences they have planned! 