Winners – Nordisk Panorama Film Festival 2024
MALMÖ, Sweden — Today, Nordisk Panorama Film Festival proudly presents the winners of our 35th edition. The Awards Gala took place on 24 September in Cinema Panora.
Out of the 57 films selected to compete in our competition categories, 5 films were chosen for this year’s top prizes, and 3 films were awarded an honourable mention. This announcement also reveals the recipient of the Nordic Documentary Producer Award.
Keep reading for the full list of winners.
Best Nordic Documentary
Life is Beautiful
Life is Beautiful by Mohamed Jabaly
Life is Beautiful (Al Haya Helwa), Mohamed Jabaly, 93′ min, Norway, Palestine, Qatar, 2023.
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.”
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.
About the director:
Mohamed Jabaly (1990, Palestine) is a Palestinian filmmaker and artist from Gaza City. He won several awards for his work, including Best Directing at IDFA for his latest film Life is Beautiful, the Grand Prix Award at FIFDH, the International Competition Jury Award for Best Film at One World Festival and the Audience Award at Docville Belgium. His previous award-winning documentary, Ambulance, has been shown at some of the world’s largest film festivals and has been broadcast globally. Mohamed has held workshops in filmmaking for young people and served on juries for several film festivals. Mohamed holds a bachelor’s degree from Nordland Film & Art College in Northern Norway and is currently pursuing his master’s degree at the National Academy of Arts in Oslo while touring his new film.
About the award:
The Best Nordic Documentary Award is presented to one of the 15 films selected for the competition. The award goes to the director(s) of the winning film.
Prize:
The cash award of 11.000€ is sponsored by Nordic public broadcasters DR, NRK, RUV, SVT and YLE.
Honourable Mention
The Monk
The Monk by Mira Jargil & Christian Sønderby Jepsen
The Monk (Munken), Mira Jargil & Christian Sønderby Jepsen, 88′ min, 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. An Honourable Mention goes to The Monk directed by Mira Jargil & Christian Sønderby Jepsen.”
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.
About the directors:
Mira Jargil (b. 1981, Denmark) is an experienced and acclaimed director, with multiple award winning films to her name. As a producer, she has produced the child series Alfred Dances Balllet (DR and Danish Film Institute), and acted as executive producer on the documentary films The Monk, Reunited, Natural Disorder and Till Death Do Us Part.
Christian Sønderby Jepsen (b. 1977, Denmark) graduated from The National Film School of Denmark in 2007, and has since established an acclaimed and internationally recognised name for himself. His film, Natural Disorder (financed internationally) premiered in the main competition at the 2015 edition of IDFA. Christian is also known for The Will 1 from 2012, which was the year’s most seen Danish documentary in cinemas nationwide. The Will received the prestigious Bodil award for the year’s Best Documentary in 2012.
Best Nordic Short Film
The Lovers
The Lovers by Carolina Sandvik
The Lovers (The Lovers), Carolina Sandvik, 14′ min, 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.
About the director:
Carolina Sandvik (b. 1988, Sweden) is a Malmö-based artist and filmmaker. In 2019, she received a master’s degree in Fine Arts from Malmö Art Academy. The Lovers premiered at Locarno Film Festival, where it was awarded the jury’s special mention. It was also nominated for best short film at the national Guldbaggegalan in 2023. The Expected won the award for best Swedish short/Startsladden at Gothenburg Film Festival 2021.
About the award:
The Best Nordic Short Film Award is presented to one of the 19 films selected for the competition. The award goes to the director(s) of the winning film. The prize-winning film may be eligible to submit for The Academy Awards consideration in the Short Film category.
Prize:
The cash award of 5.000€ is sponsored by the associations of Danish Film Directors and Swedish Film Directors.
About the jury.
Honourable Mention
Into the Blue
Into the Blue by Ömer Sami
Into the Blue (Into the Blue), Ömer Sami, 28′ min, Denmark, 2023.
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.”
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.
About the director:
Ömer Sami (b. 1993) is a filmmaker of British, Irish and Turkish descent. He tells intimate character-led stories, which explore existential themes of belonging, legacy, and loss of innocence.
His latest film Eternal Father (2023) screened at IDFA, CPH:DOX, Hot Docs, Sheffield DocFest among others, and will be released by The New Yorker. His film Into the Blue (2023) screened at Telluride, Hot Docs, DOK Leipzig, was Cinema Eye Honors shortlisted and received a SIMA Award.
He received the 2024–2026 “Young Artistic Elite” fellowship from the Danish Arts Foundation. He holds a bachelor degree in Psychology from UCLA and graduated from the National Film School of Denmark in 2023. Currently he is developing his first feature documentary with producer Monica Hellström, at Ström Pictures.
About the jury.
New Nordic Voice
Project Dad
Project Dad by Camilla Jämting
Project Dad (Projekt pappa), Camilla Jämting, 28′ min, Norway, 2023.
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.”
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?
About the director:
Camilla Jämting (b. 1992, Sweden) is an experimental artist and filmmaker with a Bachelor in Moving Images from Kabelvåg School of Moving Images. Through her artistry, she explores the inner lives of people. Jämting is triggered by the tension between what people want to hide and what they want to reveal. Her debut film Project Dad has received several awards.
About the jury.
Honourable Mention
Punishment
Punishment by Øystein Mamen
Punishment (Straff), Øystein Mamen, 108′ min, Norway, 2024.
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.”
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.
About the director:
Øystein Mamen (b.1978, Norway) is an award-winning cinematographer. His work spans both fiction and documentary, of which several have been selected for international film festivals, such as the Toronto, Berlin, Karlovy Vary and Venice. His last collaboration, with Lilja Ingolfsdottir on the upcoming Loveable, won a festival record of five awards at Karlovy Vary 2024. Mamen is educated at the Norwegian Filmschool, the European Film College, the University of Oslo (Bachelor in Comparative Religion and Literature Studies) as well as the University of Copenhagen (Film Science). Punishment, which premiered at Slamdance, is his directorial debut.
About the jury.
Nordic Documentary Producer Award
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 producer:
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.
About the award:
The Nordic Documentary Producer Award are given to a producer whose leadership, courage and willingness to take risks has helped ensure the development of emerging talents and advanced the documentary as an art form.
Each Nordic directors’ guild has nominated a singular outstanding producer to be in contention.
Prize:
The cash award of 10.000 € is sponsored by Danish Producers’ Association, Virke Norwegian Producers Association, Audiovisual Producers Finland (APFI), the Finnish Documentary Guild, Filmproducenternas Rättighetsförening (FRF), and the Icelandic Filmmakers Association.
Young Nordic Award
Warrior Heart
Warrior Heart by Marianne Olsen Ulrichsen
Warrior Heart (Smerteterskel), Marianne Ulrichsen, 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?
About the director:
Marianne Ulrichsen (b. 1970, Norway) is a Northern Norwegian director and screenwriter. Marianne has written and directed a number of award-winning short films. Amazone has been shown at a number of international film festivals and won the national award Amanda for best short film, the Tromsø Palm for best short film, and the Golden Hugo for best short film at the Chicago International Film Festival. The short film My Sister Myself won the Hourglass Award for best screenplay at the Norwegian Filmfestival, and was the most watched short film on NRK the year it was shown. Wrestling Heart is Marianne Ulrichsen´s feature film debut.
Marianne Ulrichsen is educated at The National Film and Television School in London, and at the Norwegian Academy of Fine Arts in Oslo.
About the award:
The 9 films in the Young Nordic Competition compete for the love of our most critical viewers. We ask our youngest festival audience to tell us which film they like the best and award the winning director(s) with the Young Nordic Award.
Prize:
The cash award of 1.500€ is sponsored by Nordisk Panorama Film Festival.
City of Malmö’s Audience Award
Balomania
Balomania by Sissel Morell Dargis
Balomania (Balomania), Sissel Morell Dargis, 94′ min, Denmark, Spain, 2024.
Synopsis:
In the heart of Brazil’s favelas a secret society of hot air balloon-makers risk arrest to create and fly their illegal masterpieces, painting the sky with colour. Condemned by the authorities as dangerous delinquents, the ’baloeiros’ are outlaw street artists operating in secrecy, evading government reprisal and bounty hunters, and bringing joy to communities.
About the director:
Sissel Morell Dargis (b. 1992, Denmark) has a background in painting graffiti, which led her to photography, and eventually documentary. As a teenager she lived in Brazil where she through graffiti became part of the secret balloon world. This would become the setting of her first feature film Balomanía. She is a graduate of the Cuban film school EICTV, where she directed several shorts that screened across the world. Later on she went into games studying at The National Film School of Denmark. Here she developed the indie game Cai Cai Balão, which was nominated at the Independent Games Festival, Indiecade and exhibited at the Smithsonian Arts Museum, Museum da Favela and won Games for Change Latin America for Best Game, and Game of Impact. Cai Cai Balão is set in the same world as Balomania and is a crossover of characters and situations between the film and game.
About the award:
To receive the City of Malmö’s Audience Award at Nordisk Panorama Film Festival is among the finest appreciations a filmmaker can get. The audience can vote for any of the Nordic short films and documentaries competing in the main competition programmes. The award goes to the director(s) of the winning film.
Prize:
The cash award of 2.500€ is sponsored by the City of Malmö.
