Richard Linklater indie hit “Boyhood” nabs Norwegian Fest critics prize

PanARMENIAN.Net - Richard Linklater’s indie hit “Boyhood” nabbed the 42nd Norwegian Intl. Film Festival’s critics prize at the awards ceremony held on Aug. 20, Variety said.

The jury described the film as “a somewhat ordinary and rather undramatic story that still – or perhaps precisely because of this – becomes a very special film treasure.” UIP will distribute the film in Norway.

Leif Lindblom’s bittersweet comedy “Raspberry Boat Refugee ” picked up The Nordic Film kudo which honors the best director of a Nordic movie.

“We have decided on a seemingly light-hearted and wild comedy, but it has a double meaning, drawing attention to naïve and simplified perceptions of the difference between two neighboring countries,” declared the jury, adding that “It is also about feeling unable to fit into the role one is expected to fill.”

Produced by MRP Matila Rohr Productions, “Raspberry” tells the tale of a Finnish man who’s always wanted to be a Swede.

The audience nod went to Lasse Hallström’s “The Hundred-Foot Journey,” which was described by the jury as “a film about food and love.” The fest also noted that the film “touches upon the challenges of racism and scepticism towards immigrants.”

Yann Demange’s “’71” picked up the honorary mention. Pic will be distributed in Norway by Storytelling. “’71” is “an extraordinarily well-made film that is both a brutal thriller and a nuanced, thoughtful work,” stated the jury.

Dietrich Brüggemann’s “Stations of the Cross” won the Andreas Award, an ecumenical prize. Produced by Leif Alexis and Fabian Maubach, “Cross” is “a devastating and challenging work that shows how religious manipulation can destroy a young person,” said jury prexy Alf Kjetil Walgermo.

The Norwegian festival also delivered a Ray of Sunshine (“Gledessprederen”) award to Jon Favreau’s comedy “Chef,” which will be distributed by United International Pictures in Norway.