24/08/2020 - The special edition held this year in Haugesund wrapped on 21 August

Running from 14-21 August, the 48^th Norwegian International Film Festival has wrapped in Haugesund, handing out its awards during the closing ceremony held on Thursday. Earlier during the week, the Amanda Awards were announced, with Dag Johan Haugerud’s Beware of Children [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Dag Johan Haugerud
film profile] being the big winner (read the news), while the five nominated films for the Nordic Council were announced in Haugesund (read the news).

At the festival, German legal drama The Collini Case [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Marco Kreuzpaintner
film profile], directed by Marco Kreuzpaintner, captured the audience’s attention and snagged the Audience Award. The jury, appointed by TV Haugaland and comprising Kjersti Opedal Ausrtheim, Mirjam Bjerkenes, Astrid Yasmin Furdal, Janne Hauge and Johnny Liadal, stated: “We are taken on a gripping journey with excitement – from start to finish. Inspired by the author’s own family history, we are reminded of the horrible actions from the war that should never be forgotten.”

Well-travelled and awarded in Sundance with the Special Jury Award for Creative Storytelling, Norwegian documentary The Painter and the Thief [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Benjamin Ree
film profile] by Benjamin Ree, received the ecumenical film prize, the Andreas Award. The prize, organised in collaboration between the Norwegian International Film Festival, Film&Kino and the paper Vårt Land, has existed since 1985 and this year’s jury comprising Kristin Aalen, Rune Steensnæs Engedal, Hanne Jacobsen, and Alf Kjetil Walgermo commented: “This year’s award winner tells a sensational story about a meeting between two persons that show a great willingness and capability to really see each other. It succeeds in reminding us that nobody is just what you see at first, but that each individual deserves respect, compassion, and to be seen on a basic level. The two persons show their strength and vulnerability to each other, and to us, without becoming intrusive or sentimental. The film also includes a critical perspective, and surprises us with several new turns and twists. It breaks down the facades, as art can, and lifts a strong humanity and deep human bonds. The award winner sparkles with dignity, art and love.”

One of the most uplifting awards, the statuette Ray of Sunshine, for the film that excites and spreads the most joy, went to Summerland [+see also:
trailer
film profile] directed by UK’s Jessica Swale. The jury, appointed by the Norwegian Cinema Managers Association, consisted of Clarissa Bergh (Lillehammer kino), Bjørn Holum (Fosnavåg kino), and Ida Katrine Balto (Aurora kino), and commented: “The film showcases a liberating lack of prejudice — and a young heart confirms that love is love, no matter what. The stories intertwine with elegance, and the film left us with big smiles, open hearts and feeling that magic does exist. We hope this film gets a big audience and a long life at the cinemas!”

Here is the list of the winners at the 48^th Norwegian Film Festival:

Audience Award
The Collini Case [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Marco Kreuzpaintner
film profile] – Marco Kreuzpaintner (Germany)

Andreas Ecumenical Award
The Painter and the Thief [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Benjamin Ree
film profile] – Benjamin Ree (Norway)

Ray of Sunshine Award
Summerland [+see also:
trailer
film profile] – Jessica Swale (UK)