Four films took home honours at this year's NUFF. Our two juries, the Nordic and the international, watched every film in competition and picked the ones that stayed with them the most. Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to every filmmaker who shared their work with us in Tromsø.
Here are our winners, in the juries' own words:
Still from Borderline by Johannes Vang
The Nordic competition
Best Nordic Short: Borderline
The Nordic Award goes to a short film that puts the borderlands of the Nordic region on the map in an original and funny way. The film strikes a convincing balance between comedy and thought-provoking themes, exploring community and prejudice with refreshing dark humor. The story is driven by a strong premise but is further elevated by its quirky characters and creative dialogue that plays with expectations. Even the camera has a twinkle in its eye; the clash of cultures in the wilderness takes on an almost Coen-esque Western atmosphere. The film is a unique Nordic comedy about people and borders rarely seen on screen.
The award for Best Nordic Short goes to: Borderline
Nordic Jury Award for Creativity: Smooth Summer
The Jury Award goes to a short film that turns an ordinary situation into something quietly complex and thought-provoking. With an impressive one-take approach, strong performances and an intimate camera, the film lets small gestures and unspoken moments reveal what lies beneath the surface. Without overexplaining, it shows how children observe and absorb the behavior of the adults around them. It is a subtle and compelling film about role models, gender expectations and what we may unknowingly pass on to the next generation.
The Nordic Jury Award for Creativity goes to: Smooth Summer
Nordic Honorable Mention: 175
This film is an all too familiar story of political power wielded against a group with little to no power in society. Through its great use of the one take, the film keeps a feeling of suspense that is felt from start to finish, aided by excellent acting performances, with each actor having believable human reactions to the unfolding events. It delivers very down-to-earth, cutting commentary on both Swedish and Western society.
The Nordic Honorable Mention goes to: 175
Nordic Honorable Mention: Tickle
This film is one of the most creative short films the Nordic jury has seen in a while. With its distinctive cinematography and 70s-inspired color scheme, the film creates a world that feels both playful and intriguing.
The Nordic Honorable Mention goes to: Tickle
The international competition
Best International Short: Like Other People
For the quality of its storytelling, supported by two excellent performances and outstanding technical work, and for the director's ability to create a powerful atmosphere that serves as a metaphor for the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
The award for Best International Short goes to: Like Other People
International Jury Award for Creativity: Trading Cards
We, the international jury, would like to recognize an animated short film that tells a layered story with remarkable creativity and skill. With its distinctive visual language and fearless approach to pushing boundaries, the film stood out to us for both its originality and artistic confidence. We are very excited to follow the filmmaker's work in the future.
The International Jury Award for Creativity goes to: Trading Cards
International Honorable Mention: Interurbain
The international jury would like to give an Honorable Mention to a film whose simplicity stayed with us. Through an ordinary journey, it opens a space around distance, absence, and the fragile ways we try to remain connected.
The International Honorable Mention goes to: Interurbain
Audience Award: He Was a Hungry Man
The audience at the festival voted for their favourite film in the programme.
The Audience Award goes to: He Was a Hungry Man
Congratulations again to all the winners, and a big thank you to our juries. See you in Tromsø next summer!