The prizes of the 35th Nordisk Panorama were handed out September 24. Out of the 57 films selected to compete in the competition categories, five films were chosen for this year’s top prizes, and three films were awarded an honourable mention. The occasion also saw the announcement of the Nordic Documentary Producer Award. Scroll down for all winners…
BEST NORDIC DOCUMENTARY Cash award of €11,000
Winner: Life is Beautiful by Mohamed Jabaly. 93 mins, Norway, Palestine, Qatar, 2023.
Synopsis: Navigating a life put on hold by politics and bureaucracy, a director uses his creativity to connect with the world and find a way forward.
Motivation: “The jury congratulates the festival and its programmers on the high level of the selection presented this year, which shows how vibrant and diverse the Scandinavian documentary ecosystem is. The hope is that the Scandinavian institutions will continue to support an industry that represents excellence on a European and international level and sees Nordisk Panorama as an indispensable moment of celebration of the present and construction of the future. Given the rich and varied selection presented this year, it was not easy to choose the best film. At the end the jury decided to reward a seemingly simple film, that in its simple form gives us a rare look into the complexities of global issues, Nordic society, our film industry and our hearts.”
Honourable Mention
Winner: The Monk by Mira Jargil & Christian Sønderby Jepsen. 88 mins, Denmark, Netherlands, 2023.
Motivation: “The jury decided to assign an honourable mention to a film that impressed us with its excellent craft, its honest self reflection and willingness to turn every stone.
Synopsis: Is happiness to be found in solitude? Filmmakers Mira Jargil and Christian Sønderby Jepsen, trying to find balance in their stressful lives, turn for guidance to a renowned Danish HIV researcher turned monk in the mountains of Sri Lanka. A film about enlightenment turns into an existential investigation and a moving family drama about control, mental health and reconciliation.
BEST NORDIC SHORT FILM Cash award of €5,000
Winner: The Lovers by Carolina Sandvik. 14 mins, Sweden, 2023.
Motivation: “For balancing the subtle with the grotesque to deliver a humorous and visceral commentary on the nature of intimacy. The jury is delighted to award a homegrown talent for exposing the human fragilities to the very bone. The Best Nordic Short award goes to The Lovers by Carolina Sandvik.”
Synopsis: A man and a woman are having dinner at a restaurant when the man’s appearance begins to change. A blend of horror and comedy about a couple dealing with progressive physical transformation.
Honourable Mention
Into the Blue by Ömer Sami. 28 mins, Denmark, 2023.
Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Tatheer, from a social housing estate in Copenhagen, is on a week-long police boot camp for girls, run by the Danish police. Deep in the woods and far from home, there are grueling rituals, elusive social dynamics, and personal setbacks before she finds her footing in a coming-of-age story.
Motivation: “The jury would first like to highlight a film for its ability to elevate a tender coming of age story to a subtle commentary on power structures and dominance. An honourable mention goes to Into the Blue by Ömer Sami.”
NEW NORDIC VOICE Cash award €5000
Winner: Project Dad by Camilla Jämting. 28 min, Norway, 2023.
Synopsis: Camilla’s dad is a pick-up artist who teaches other men how to succeed on Tinder. His idea of self improvement is going for winter walks semi-naked, inspired by the Wim Hof breathing method. Camilla is an artist and a feminist, and there’s not much she and her father agree on. How can they stay bonded?
Motivation: “This year’s New Nordic Voice award goes to a film that dares to explore a divisive topic with an approach that is personal, brave, and respectful. Despite the differences in their worldviews, the filmmaker manages to build an emotional connection between the characters that is both touching and humorous. While experimenting with various cinematic formats, the film never loses its immersive quality and stayed with us long after the ending credits. The award goes to Project Dad by Camilla Jämting.”
Honourable Mention
Punishment by Øystein Mamen. 108 mins, Norway, 2024.
Synopsis: Four inmates in a maximum security prison are on a three-week silent retreat in prison led by two Jesuit priests. How do ethical exercises, rituals and communal silence affect us? A portrait of the existential landscape of prisoners.
Motivation: “This year’s Honourable Mention goes to a film that excels in precise direction and masterful cinematography. It gently explores human themes such as shame and self-forgiveness in a way that feels exceptionally intimate. This film impressed us by showing how much can be said through silence. The Honorable Mention goes to Punishment by Øystein Mamen.”
YOUNG NORDIC AWARD Cash award €1,500
Winner: Warrior Heart by Marianne Olsen Ulrichsen. 18 mins, Norway, 2024.
Synopsis: Vilja (12) loves wrestling even though she’s terrified of pain and loses every match. When her parents separate, Vilja’s feelings shut down. Then mum’s new boyfriend’s daughter, Thea, turns out to be a star wrestler. Can Vilja overcome her fear of physical and emotional pain?
CITY OF MALMÖ AUDIENCE AWARD Cash award €2,500
Winner: Balomani by Sissel Morell Dargis. 94 mins, Denmark, Spain, 2024.
NORDIC DOCUMENTARY PRODUCER AWARD Cash award of €10.000
Winner: Sara Stockmann, Denmark
Motivation: “Sara Stockmann consistently advocates for bold, unconventional films, while steadfastly supporting the director’s vision. Her unwavering tenacity drives her to defend creative integrity, foster strong relationships, and uphold decency in every project she undertakes.”
About the winner: Sara Stockmann (b. 1973, Denmark) has produced more than 30 documentary films and series since 2005. Several of the films have been internationally awarded – among others Janus Metz’ Cannes & Emmy-winning documentary film Armadillo and the Tribeca-awarded Bobbi Jene by Oscar-nominated director Elvira Lind. In 2024, Sara was awarded the IB-Award, a film award presented by the Danish Film Directors Association to courageous, innovative, and anarchistic Danish film producers.
Sara Stockmann is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Science. From 2013–2021, she was the chairman of the Documentary Council at The Danish Film Institute appointed by the Danish Minister of Culture.
