Film festivals happen around the world and Norway is no exception. Every year, for one week in August, enthusiasts gather in the coastal city of Haugesund to celebrate the country’s film industry. The event has taken place there since 1987, but originally started back in 1973, as a traveling film festival around Norway. Since settling into Haugesund, Den Norske Filmfestivalen, as it is known, has become an important event to celebrate and showcase the film industry of Norway and other Nordic countries.

One part of the festival includes award recognition. Similar to many other film industry events, this festival comes with its own special statuette award. The distinct bronze statue is called an Amanda Award and was designed by sculptor Kristian Kvakland. First awarded in 1985, it was established as a way to increase quality and interest in Norwegian filmmaking. Recognized categories are similar to many other awards to include both acting and technical aspects of the industry.

Unsurprisingly, the hit film Sentimental Value picked up wins, adding to its already celebrated accolades. Other films that won in a category were:

  • Best Children’s Film: A Mouse Hunt for Christmas
  • Best Foreign Language Film: One Battle After Another
  • Best Documentary: Flophouse America
  • The People’s Amanda: The Battle of Oslo
  • Best Short Film: Fata Morgana
  • Best Norwegian Film: Sentimental Value

The festival highlighted 21 titles this year and handed out top honors to movies such as “The Rivals of Amziah King”, Butterfly”, and “Pressure”. While not a Norwegian film, one of the main stars of “The Odyssey” was also spotlighted at the festival – Draken Harald Hårfagre, the reconstructed Viking ship that was built in 2012 using traditional methods.

The 55th Annual Norwegian International Film festival is anticipated to be held August 14-20, 2027.

Sources:
Inside Haugesund’s Norwegian International Film Festival and the Amanda Awards – All Things Nordic
Here Are the Award Winners from Haugesund | NFI
Haugesund Fest Honors ‘Rivals of Amziah King,’ ‘Butterfly’