The 9th edition of the West Nordic International Film Festival has been successfully completed.
The program started on Thursday at 7 pm and ended last night around midnight.
During these 3 days of the festival, 40 short and documentary films have been shown. In addition, WENIFF, as every other year, has had 2 other events, which aim to increase the love for film production to the new generations.
After the screening of the films, the professional jury of the festival announced the names of the winning films.
Congratulation to the winners of the 9th edition of the West Nordic International Film Festival:
1. Special Mention: ‘MASOOM’
A film that deals with a taboo-subject. A film from a region that has been tormented by war, and a family dealing with consequences of shame and honour. As a viewer you are witnessing something close to a thriller, but very close to heart-breaking reality.
2. Best documentary: ‘ZENITH’
A warm portrait of a man with a great passion and fascination for something that is beyond what is understandable. With precise camera-compositions does the director manage to hold our interest for the little man and the great cosmic universe. With the film he invites us into this particular man’s world of passion and also the beauty of the great mystic void we all are a part of.
3. Best photo: ‘Ms. Chazelle’
A modern version of a Romeo and Juliette-theme about belonging to a group and the possibilities to break with expectations.
The camera catches the appearance of the protagonist with precise choice of compositions. It is certainly eye-catching!
4. Best Script: ‘GOOD GIRL’
A tight story – well told about a dysfunctional relationship in a family from a child’s point of view. From a perspective of perfection in the opening it turns through games and hustling to a serious and deeply emotional drama.
5. Beste national film: ‘STILL SEA’
En film som berører utenforskap, isolasjon og selvskading. Filmen er laget med en konsekvent og stilsikker palett som inviterer publikum til meddiktning med et mulig håp i fortellingens utgang.
6. Best short film: ‘ Heart of gold’
A film of superb quality. Unique craftmanship of the stop motion technique and clay animation. There is no dialogue so everything has to be shown in pictures. There are excellent details and a
multilayered story. Many different interpretations about class, exploitation and the meaning of living.
WENIFF like every other year, had 2 other accompanying activities. Their main goal every year is to increase the love for film production and to help children and adolescents understand the basic processes of filmmaking.
As a reminder:
WENIFF LAB, is a 1-week workshop that teaches young people the whole process of film production. From networking and brainstorming, to screen-writing, recording and editing – we cover everything. We believe that learning is a lifetime process and it does not have an ending date. But we also believe that, if we give our young people the most important techniques and tools, they will be ready to start this journey because their roots will be strong.
Congratulations to the winning team of WENIFF LAB, 9th edition:
WENIFF KIDS is a 1 day activity that aims to instill in children the desire to turn an idea into a story.
WENIFF and LD Film School have arranged the family day ‘WENIFF Kids’ in the center of Ålesund.
The event wss based at Løvenvold Kino and inside Ålesund Storsenteret / Tante Brun.
Children could record their own mini-films with professional directors, in 15 minutes. The films then were produced by LD Filmskole, and shown during the premiere of the short film competition at Løvenvold Kino 17:40.
That was all for the 9th edition of West Nordic International Film Festival.
We will make sure that the 10th edition of the festival, is more special than any other because we will celebrate 1 decade full of work, that brings to our city one of the most beautiful cultural events.
