Hopes were high that a prestigious Nordic prize would finally be bestowed on a Norwegian nominee, but it went instead to a Swedish film that features the actress from the film versions of the Millennium crime novels, Noomi Rapace.
The Nordisk Råds Filmpris (Nordic Council’s Film Prize) was awarded to Svinalängorna (Beyond), directed by Pernilla August and starring Noomi Rapace and her husband at the time, Ola Rapace. The jury, led by honorary chairman Helen Mirren, was unanimous in its decision after Mirren said “the film touched us all.”
The Norwegian contender was Oslo, 31. august, directed by Joachim Trier, and several film critics thought it would bring Norway the prize for the first time since being awarded annually from 2005. Trier claimed it was an honor, though, just to be nominated.
His film, said to offer a unique blend of depression and grace set in a peaceful cityscape, also has been sold for distribution in several other countries including France and the UK.
Views and News staff