Nordic Documentary Producer Award Nominees 2025
For the third time we’re proud to present the annual Nordic Documentary Producer Award at the 2025 edition of the film festival. The award is a pan-Nordic initiative sponsored by five of the foremost member associations within the Nordic film industry and has been created to acknowledge the invaluable role of the producer within documentary filmmaking. The Nordic Documentary Producer Award will be given to a producer whose leadership, courage and willingness to take risks has helped ensure the development of emerging talents and progressed documentary as an art form. The award winner will be revealed at the annual Nordisk Panorama Awards Gala in Malmö, Sweden and receive a prize sum of 10.000 EUR.
One producer from each of the five Nordic countries will be nominated based on work completed within the previous five years. As nominations will be coordinated by the national directors’ guilds, the award is a unique opportunity for directors to honour the producers who have supported them in realising their creative vision.
With this award, Nordisk Panorama is proud to both deepen pan-Nordic cooperation within the film industry and celebrate documentary producers’ achievements throughout the region. With representatives from each of the Nordic countries, the Nordisk Panorama board will collectively choose the award winner. Read on to see the nominees from each country and excerpts from the directors’ motivations.
Malene Flindt Pedersen, Denmark
Hansen & Pedersen
Motivation
“Danish Film Directors nominate Malene Flindt Pedersen for the Nordic Documentary Producer Award. Malene influences Danish documentary film in an innovative, sharp, and lasting way. With films like Queen of Hearts and Fat Front, she created space for female voices at a time when female protagonists were rare. Malene works courageously with complex narratives, and we, as directors, value her curiosity, perspective, and the fantastic collaboration. Thank you for your insistence on creating nuanced stories that shed the light on societal development abroad and in Denmark – and thank you for the collaboration, Malene!”
Pasi Hakkio, Finland
Wacky Tie Films
Motivation
“The Finnish Documentary Guild nominates Pasi Hakkio. He is a devoted documentary film producer who, whenever possible, seeks to also improve the conditions of the documentary field as a whole. One of the few who has successfully built a professional base outside the capital, he is paving the way for a more regionally balanced industry. He puts his heart and mind into his productions but always approaches his work with a twist of humour. Ambitious and open-minded, he often works at the intersection of documentary film and media art, navigating their funding and distribution landscapes with fresh strategies. The Lynx Man and How to Kill a Cloud are examples of his recent successful work. “
Hanna Björk Valsdóttir, Iceland
Akkeri Films
Motivation
“The Icelandic Filmmakers Association nominates Hanna Björk Valsdóttir – a leading producer known for bold, artistic documentaries. A two-time Icelandic Film Award winner for Best Documentary, she co-produced Dreamland (2009), still Iceland’s most-watched documentary. Through her company Akkeri Films, she has produced acclaimed works like DIVE, The Last Autumn, and The Ground Beneath Our Feet. Her films have premiered at top festivals and aired across Europe. A visionary collaborator, she pushes creative boundaries and uplifts directors – making her a standout nominee for the Nordisk Panorama Best Documentary Producer Award.”
Bård Kjøge Rønning & Fabien Greenberg, Norway
Antipode Films
Motivation
“The Directors Guild of Norway nominates the producer duo Fabien Greenberg and Bård Kjøge Rønning for their strong body of work in recent years – especially for their contribution to the Oscar-winning No Other Land. As part of the producing team behind this urgent and courageous documentary, they demonstrate the ability to navigate highly sensitive geopolitical terrain. The film’s success is a historic milestone for Norwegian producers, and its relevance in today’s global context speaks volumes. Their partnership and ability to collaborate across borders exemplify bold, impactful filmmaking – and deserve recognition.”
Mario Adamson, Sweden
Sisyfos Film
Motivation
“Swedish Film Directors proudly nominate Mario Adamson. He is recognised for his exceptional contributions and risk-taking in the Nordic documentary industry. His work, including the Cannes success How to Save a Dead Friend and The Scars of Ali Boulala, demonstrate his boundary-pushing creativity. In films like Motherland (EFA Nomination) and Scheme Birds (Best Documentary, Tribeca), he consistently brings unique voices to global recognition. His dedication has significantly advanced documentary filmmaking, making him a truly deserving candidate for this prestigious award.”
The Nordic Documentary Producer Award is generously sponsored by the Danish Producers’ Association, Virke Norwegian Producers Association, Audiovisual Producers Finland (APFI), Filmproducenternas Rättighetsförening (FRF), and the Icelandic Filmmakers Association.
