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"Sharp" Icelandic film wins prize in Gothenburg

The Icelandic "When the Light Breaks" receives the Dragon Award for Best Nordic Film at the Gothenburg Film Festival. "An unusually uplifting portrayal of grief", according to the jury.

» Published: February 01 2025

"Sharp" Icelandic film wins prize in Gothenburg
Photo: Scott A Garfitt/AP/TT

Rúnar Rúnarsson's film takes place on a summer evening in Reykjavík where a young man dies in a tragic accident, which shatters the existence of, among others, his secret love Una (Elin Hall) who tries to keep her grief to herself. The jury praises the director's "sensitivity and subtle lightness" and describes the portrayal of grief as "sharply presented by a perfect young ensemble".

The prize money of 400,000 kronor is awarded by the film festival in collaboration with the Västra Götaland Region and the City of Gothenburg.

Norwegian Andrea Brœin Hovig receives the award for best actress for her role as the doctor Marianne, a "complex and unforgiving female character" according to the jury, in the film "Love", directed by Dag Johan Haugerud.

This year's critic's prize, the Fipresci prize, goes instead to the Oscar-nominated Danish film "The Girl with the Needle" directed by Swedish Magnus von Horn. According to the jury, he shows "a complete mastery of filmmaking" with this film about "the woman's situation and the necessity of the feminist struggle". But the jury also highlights that the film shows "how one can remain a person with integrity in a devilish environment and darkness".

The prize for best Nordic documentary – 250,000 kronor – went to "Trans memoria" by Victoria Verseau. The best international film was awarded to "Memoir of a Snail" by Adam Elliot.

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By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

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