The Göteborg Film Festival, in collaboration with Nordisk Film & TV Fond, is once again highlighting the vibrant storytelling culture of the Nordic region by naming the five nominees for the inaugural Nordic Series Script Award. This award aims to honor the artistry and creativity of writers who bring their unique narratives to life through television series. Among the nominated works are “Families Like Ours” from Denmark, penned by the renowned Thomas Vinterberg and Bo Hr. Hansen; “Money Shot” hailing from Finland, with Jemina Jokisalo at the helm; “Pressure Point” from Sweden, crafted by Pelle Rådström; Norway’s “Quisling” with writers Anna Bache-Wiig and Siv Rajendram Eliassen; and Iceland’s “The School of Housewives,” authored by Arnór Pálmi Arnarson and Jóhanna Fridrika Sæmundsdóttir. Each of these series showcases distinct cultural backgrounds and narratives, reflecting the diverse storytelling traditions of the Nordic countries.
A Generous Prize and Esteemed Jury
With a generous cash prize of NOK 200,000 (approximately €17,000), the Nordic Series Script Award not only recognizes excellence in writing but also provides financial support that can bolster future projects by the awardees. A distinguished jury composed of industry veterans will select winners based on the originality and storytelling prowess displayed in the nominated scripts. The jury is comprised of Henriette Steenstrup, a celebrated actor and screenwriter from Norway; Joanna Szymańska, a notable producer and CEO at SHIPsBOY in Poland; and Linus Fremin, a prominent TV critic and creative director from Sweden. This combination of expertise ensures that the evaluation of the nominees will be thorough and substantial, drawing from a wealth of experience and insight.
In addition to the Nordic Series Script Award, this year’s festival will also unveil the Creative Courage Award, designed to honor producers and commissioners who take bold creative risks. This award recognizes compelling collaborations that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling, particularly during a time when there is a tendency to play it safe in commissioning due to economic pressures. Liselott Forsman, the CEO of Nordisk Film & TV Fond, emphasized the importance of such recognition, noting that the Creative Courage Award aims to highlight innovative series that stand out in their respective genres, thereby inspiring future content creators.
The anticipation is building as the winners of both the Nordic Series Script Award and the Creative Courage Award will be revealed during a ceremony scheduled for the evening of January 28, 2025. This event promises to be a celebration of Nordic scriptwriters and the continuing evolution of narrative television in the region. Reflecting on previous recipients, such as Johan Fasting, Silje Storstein, and Kristin Grue, who were honored for their involvement in the compelling Norwegian drama “Power Play,” this year’s nominees are poised to further enrich the artistic landscape of Nordic storytelling. Cia Edström, the Head of TV Drama Vision at the Göteborg Film Festival, expressed excitement over the opportunity to recognize and celebrate such outstanding talents within this vibrant and innovative community.
Overall, the Nordic Series Script Award, along with the new Creative Courage Award, not only celebrates exemplary writing but also sets the stage for future creativity in an ever-evolving landscape of Nordic television. Narratives that challenge conventions and evoke thought will undoubtedly emerge from this distinguished celebration, paving the way for the next generation of storytellers in the Nordic region.