Best international film at NUFF 2020
The Golden Buttons
by Alex Evstigneev (Russia)
“The Golden Buttons” is a documentary that portrays young boys growing up in the National Guard, which started in 2016 in Russia. The documentary is told intesely through close-up tableaus of children and youngsters, while the story is cleverly developed through what we hear and see in the background. In a subtle way it becomes clear that the children might be educated into the army's belief system. The drill is presented in the body language and in the way that instructors are talking to them. By letting us hear selected audio excerpts from the youngsters themselves, the film questions their choice of joining the army. We acknowledge the director’s critical behind-the-scenes approach of the future generation of the National Guard.”
SPECIAL MENTION:
Tradition
by Zhanuzak Mamytov (Kyrgystan)
”The story follows the challenges of an uncircumcised boy in a town where circumcision is a tradition. His struggle is portrayed with both poetic imagery and blunt statements. The film mirrors society from a critical point of view showcasing the pressures of belonging. With this special mention we would like to empower the director to find his unique voice by defining a stylistic choice and telling challenging topics in a focused and concise way.”
NUFF 2020 – THE NORDIC JURY
BEST FILM IN THE CATEGORY FOR FILMMAKERS 18 YEARS OLD AND YOUNGER:
Escape
by Laura Hadsund Baarstrøm (Denmark)
“We all know how difficult it is to make the audience engage with the characters and to tell a complete story, from the beginning to the end, within the short film format. With a strong story, interesting characters, good acting, and a clear understanding of the film medium, this young director has made a great short film about a relationship between two siblings and their fear of loosing each other.”
BEST FILM IN THE CATEGORY FOR FILMMAKERS 19 TO 21 YEARS OLD:
Between Doves - Flugt
by Anne-Marie Bjerre Koch (Denmark)
“With a heavy topic as a base, this film moves you from the inside out. It is hard to watch, but at the same time you can’t stop watching. The filmmaker inhabits good directing skills, with an amazing young actress, steady cinematography and editing. This is an affecting film with a tough story. The jury is impressed over this young director´s capability to handle the topic with so much respect and make a very strong film about it.”
BEST FILM IN THE CATEGORY FOR FILMMAKERS 22-26 YEARS OLD:
HONORABLE MENTION
Our Land - Utan Er
by Jean-Luc Mwepu (Sweden)
“In addition to our selected award, the jury also wants to give an honorable mention of a film we agreed was of a particular high standard. The film is both lyrical and political, with beautiful cinematography and an exquisite use of the human face and body. It is also a film where the sound design and music is of much importance, contributing to an already atmospheric setting in the woods.”
BEST FILM IN THE CATEGORY FOR FILMMAKERS 22-26 YEARS OLD
Dear Father… - Kjære far…
by Maren Klakegg (Norway)
“The best film in the age category 22 - 26 years deals professionally with an important topic: sexual abuse of children which needs to be talked about. A close personal utterance of the main protagonist Beate deepens the very well built, intimate, open and interesting human story. We look forward to more personal documentaries of the director.”
THE BEST NORDIC FILM
Babydyke - Babylebbe
by Tone Ottilie Fredriksen (Denmark)
“The best nordic film at the festival invites its audience into a small world of youthful curiosity and expectations, but is nevertheless directed with an impressive confidence. This naturalistic and very believable LGBTQ/coming-of-age tale is full of great acting performances, and manages to be both funny and quite touching. It is a film with a great presence in it´s main character´s life, never departing from her perspective. We can´t wait for more films from the director.”