The World War II movie War Sailor, which premiered at last year’s Toronto Film Festival, won four main prizes at Norway’s Amanda Awards last night. The Amanda Awards are basically a part of the Norwegian International Film Festival, which is set to close on the 25th of August in Haugesund. Here’s what we know:
What is ‘War Sailor’ about?
The film, directed by Norwegian filmmaker Gunn Viken, centers around Alfred Garnes, a working-class sailor and father of three who finds himself caught in the middle of World War II while working on a merchant ship in the Atlantic Ocean. His childhood friend, Sigbjørn Kvalen, is alongside him as they both struggle for survival amid the chaos and brutality of the conflict. As their ship becomes a target for German submarines, the two friends must use every resource to stay alive. In War Sailor, Sigbjørn is played by actor Pål Sverre Hagen, along with Kristoffer Joner as Alfred.
Awards ‘War Sailor’ took home and other films that won prizes:
At the recent Amanda Awards, Sturla Brandth Grøvlen was awarded Best Cinematography for his work on the film. The movie’s haul additionally included an award for Best Actor, which was given to Pål Sverre Hagen. This is the third Amanda Award for Hagen and his second consecutive win. Ine Marie Wilmann was recognized for her standout performance as Cecilia in the picture, winning the award for Best Supporting Actress. Aside from these, War Sailor also won Best Costume via Stefanie Bieker.
Other successful films presented at the festival include Narvik and Let the River Flow which were both three victories behind War Sailor, with the latter taking Best Director and Best Film for director Ole Giaever and producer Maria Ekerhovd. Bente Brsum was awarded the Honorary Amanda Award this year.