The 12th edition of the West Nordic International Film Festival (WENIFF) has come to a close, leaving us with unforgettable memories. From March 6th to 8th, Ålesund became a hub for filmmakers and film lovers, celebrating the art of storytelling through cinema. This year, WENIFF showcased 39 outstanding short films and documentaries from talented filmmakers across the world. Audiences had the chance to experience everything from dramas to eye-opening documentaries, highlighting different cultures and ideas.
The festival opened on Thursday, March 6th, with an Opening Performance by FARGESPILL. It was followed by:
- Opening speech by festival director Besnik Zogaj
- Conversation with Simen Nyland, director/producer of the opening film
- Opening speech by Stine Tveten (Vestnorsk Filmsenter)
Film screenings began at 19:45, with FILTHER, directed by Simen Nyland, marking the official start of this edition.
Day 2 – Friday
Friday started with SCHOOL SCREENING / SKOLE VISNING, a fantastic event where students had the opportunity to be part of WENIFF, thanks to donors who contributed by purchasing tickets.
Later in the day, the program continued with:
- MUSIC SEMINAR with Andreu Jacob and Eirik Vaage
- Q&A with international directors
Film screenings ran from 17:00 to 22:00.
Day 3 – Saturday
Saturday was the busiest day of the festival. Screenings started at 11:00 and continued until 19:30, leading up to the CLOSING CEREMONY | AVSLUTNING SEREMONI and the presentation of the MOVIE TO BE PRODUCED BY WENIFF LAB | FILMER SOM BLIR PRODUSERT AV WENIFF LAB.
Additionally, the day featured Movie Talk with Kalle Løchen, a special highlight of this year’s edition.
The festival concluded with the awards ceremony, honoring this year’s winning films and filmmakers:
1. BEST DOCUMENTARY: Entropy
Jury statement: A film that weaves together past, present, and future through strikingly beautiful imagery, harmonious camera movements, and a distinct narrative voice, where the story’s beginning and ending tie everything together, from the first drop, drawing lines back in time and providing historical depth to all we have and all we risk losing. A film that brings up climate change in a way that makes it difficult not to be affected. Wise, beautiful, and relevant.
2. BEST SCREENPLAY: The Tyrant
Jury statement: A screenplay that creates a unique and original universe, playing with the many tools and possibilities of film to convey its story and message. The main character removes all obstacles to achieved her goal, but still – there is something missing in her universe. A script with a strong signature and distinctiveness that also provides the narrative with energy, emotional depth, and an original dramaturgical and thematic twist. Imaginative, playful, and bold.
3. BEST PHOTOGRAPHY: Night Games
Jury statement: The camera has the ability to delve into a young boy’s dark world of imagination, with striking use of contrasts and colors. The lense convey his emotions and experiences surrounding the battle he bravely tries to fight to reunite his parents. The visual expression gives a voice to a young person’s fear, courage, and concerns, thereby providing a distinctive tone to the film, where the camera work and visual approach complement, support, and enhance the directing and screenplay with precision.
4. SPECIAL JURY AWARD: Machines
A story about a woman stretched between too many expectations and ambitions at the same time, ultimately forced to give in. A narrative that evokes strong identification with both the challenges and the main character’s balancing act, delivered with precision and empathy. The visuals, lighting, and the pulse of the story propel the narrative and a brilliant acting performance toward its outer limits.
5. BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM: The Steak
A Beautiful film despite the rawness of the story, blending tenderness with harshness. A stylized and powerful visual expression that conveys the horrors of war in a single camera movement, where a piece of meat remains as a burned metaphor for the consequences of human warfare. A story that captures its time in an original way, provoking uncomfortable reflection. A film that simultaneously masters the challenging art of keeping a short film truly short.
6. BEST NATIONAL FILM: After Dark
A film that, from the very first moment, manages to create a sense of unease about what has happened, thus keeping the story suspended between something uncertain, unsettling, and unpredictable. This tension drives the narrative forward under the dim lighting of the night sky, with strong performances from the cast. Clear directorial choices sparking reflections on the protagonist’s actions – or lack thereof – where he acts too late, or perhaps chooses to avoid action altogether. A film that has sparked engagement and discussion within the jury. Provoking, engaging, captivating – which is the art of storytelling.
Thank you to our incredible collaborators, sponsors, and everyone who attended – your support made WENIFF 2025 truly special! See you next year.
