Kristín Erla Pétursdóttir wins Best Child Actor Award at SCHLINGEL for BIRTA
Icelandic actress Kristín Erla Pétursdóttir won the DIAMANT award for best child actor at the Schlingel International Film Festival, which took place in Germany from October 9 - 16. Pétursdóttir won the award for her lead role in the Icelandic feature Birta.
Birta tells the story of the strong and responsible Birta. She seeks ways to raise money after overhearing her mother worrying about financial problems and not being able to afford the family Christmas. But it's not so easy when you're only 11 years old.
The film was written by Helga Arnardóttir and directed by Bragi Thór Hinriksson. They are also the producers of the film for H.M.S. Productions.
The jury's justification reads as follows:
"In the past days we were allowed to see many wonderful films from different countries of the world. We were able to take a look at societies unknown to us, were in the present, but also in the past. And we have undertaken adventurous journeys together with the young heroines and heroes."
"In all these films, one young actress in particular stood out to us and remained in our memories. She was able to convince us with her believable acting that she experiences and goes through exactly what her character experiences. She surprised us with her ideas, her tenacity and with her musical and athletic talents. We were able to observe her friendships, recognized emotions and empathy. We were especially convinced by her portrayal of vulnerability, disappointment, but also joy."
"The heroine of this film always remains honest and does not give up. We saw and empathized with her big heart and sense of justice especially through the close-ups of her face. At 11 years old, we saw her as a selfconfident girl who responsibly takes care of her younger sister. After overhearing her mother on the phone, our heroine sets a lofty goal for herself: she tries to raise money using a wide variety of adventurous methods. After all, should Christmas really be cancelled this year just because her mother is in a financial crisis? We were particularly touched by her desperate search for her lost wallet. Big challenges for the heroine. For those who don't know it yet: Her name is Birta! I am very pleased to award the DIAMOND - Best Child Actress Award 2021 to Kristin Erla Pétursdóttir as Birta in the Icelandic feature film of the same name. We are already looking forward to seeing you in many more movies or series soon."
For further information on Schlingel International Film Festival visit the festival's official website.