Haugesund, Norway — In an effort to enhance early-stage film projects, the Norwegian International Film Festival’s New Nordic Films market has introduced the Storyline Production Award, offering NOK 250,000 (approximately $24,500) in post-production equipment. This initiative aims to attract co-financers and co-producers to support promising film ventures.
An international jury will select the recipient of the award from a pool of 21 projects competing in the Nordic Co-Production Market. Members of the jury include Casey Baron of the Tribeca Film Festival, Marge Liiske from Industry@Talents and Baltic Event in Tallinn, and Josef Kullengaard of the Göteborg Film Festival. Their focus will be on identifying the project with the strongest international appeal.
Additionally, the jury will cast their votes for the Producers Network’s Best Pitch Award, which provides the winner with an opportunity to participate in the Cannes Marché du Film producers program. This dual recognition highlights the festival’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering international collaboration.
This year’s lineup features an impressive array of Nordic filmmakers, including Benjamin Ree with “The Remarkable Life of Ibelin,” Tonislav Hristov with “The Good Driver,” and Ninna Pálmadóttir, who is presenting her project “Solitude.” Other noteworthy projects are by Björn Hlynur Haraldsson (“Blackport”), Baldvin Z (“Life in a Fishbowl”), and Måns Månsson with “The Real Estate.”
As part of a special focus on Baltic cinema, six prominent filmmakers from the region will also share their latest works with over 250 industry delegates. Among those showcasing their films are Martti Helde and Vallo Toomla from Estonia, Airk Karapetian and Ilze Burkovska-Jakobsen from Latvia, and Inesa Kurklietytė and Jorūnė Greičiūtė from Lithuania.
Vidar Grande, a post-producer at Storyline Studios, expressed enthusiasm for supporting Nordic storytelling. He emphasized the importance of the Nordic Co-Production Market as a platform for innovative narratives. He noted that the award would grant filmmakers access to essential resources, including advanced cameras and color grading services, akin to those used in acclaimed Nordic films.
Gyda Velvin Myklebust, head of New Nordic Films, reiterated that the Storyline Production Award not only provides critical resources but also demonstrates a united commitment from industry partners to elevate new Nordic narratives with global potential.
Storyline Studios, which ranks among Scandinavia’s leading post-production facilities, has received numerous accolades, including the European Film Award for Best Sound Design for “The Innocents” in 2021. They were also recognized for Best Visual Effects for “About Endlessness” in 2019. Recent notable projects include Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value” and Dag Johan Haugerud’s “Dreams.”
The winners of both industry awards will be announced on August 21 during the 53rd Norwegian International Film Festival. Last year, the Best Pitch Project award was given to Naima Mohamud’s Finnish family film “Halima,” produced by It’s Alive.
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