“The Gold Panner from Lannavaara” is an unusual documentary that combines the atmosphere of a quiet evening in a remote Norrbotten village with imagery reminiscent of a dreamlike experience inside a gold mine. Hans “Hasse” Söderström appears throughout the film as a complicated figure, embodying a frantic businessperson, someone prone to believing in theories, and a familiar acquaintance—all while possessing an unwav…

“The Gold Panner from Lannavaara” provides a captivating look at Hans Söderström's determined quest for gold, stretching across both Arctic and African landscapes, and it’s presented as a documentary that is generally absorbing. The film strikes a decent balance between examining the man himself and recounting his adventures, featuring striking visuals and presenting a protagonist who sticks with you despite some imp…