01/09/2009

The 37th Norwegian International Film Festival in Haugesund closed on August 27 with the world premiere of Arild Østin Ommundsen’s financial thriller Rat Nights and an awards ceremony that celebrated works from three European filmmakers.

The Norwegian Film Critics Association Award went to Andrea Arnold’s Fish Tank [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Andrea Arnold
film profile] (distributed locally by Arthaus). The Ray of Sunshine Award, given to a film “that makes people happy and should reach a wide audience in Norwegian cinemas”, went to Ken Loach’s Looking for Eric [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Cannes 2009
Ken Loach
interview: Steve Evets - actor
film profile] (October 16 release, SF Norge). The Andreas (or ecumenical) Award was presented to this year’s Palme d’Or winner The White Ribbon [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Michael Haneke
film profile] by Michael Haneke (December 26, Arthaus).

Pixar animation film Up received the Audience Award.

Industry professionals from over 30 countries visited the festival, held from August 20-27. Sales of festival passes more than tripled over last year (660 in total) and attendance figures for the screenings reached 42,000.