The winners of Stockfish short film competition 2022
The Shortfish competition was expanded this year to acknowledge a broader group of filmmakers and projects. The four categories were fiction, artistic music video, documentary and experimental.
Fiction
The winner of the fiction category is The Nest by Hlynur Pálmason. Nest receives the generous award of one million ISK in rental equipment from KUKL and one million ISK from Síminn. The fiction jurie: David Bonneville, Benedikt Erlingsson og Pamela Ribon.
Jury's statement: “There are some films that demand you are a part of the action in order to feel its emotional impact. Others ask you to be a quiet observer, a witness to forward momentum of life. This film chose the latter, keeping us locked in the view of one small stage for a family's private journey. For its beautiful storytelling rooted in patience and love, the fiction jury has chosen Nest – Director – Hlynur Pálmason”
Anton Máni producer of the film Nest received the award on behalf of Hlynur Pálmason
Special mention goes to Hex for Exceptional Vision by Katrín Helga Andrésdóttir.
Jury's statement:“The jury would like to single out a film whose bold vision and driving narrative create an unforgettable cinematic experience, announcing a director who must be given every opportunity to shine brighter and bigger, in any genre she picks next. Honorable Mention and a Special Jury Prize for Exceptional Vision goes to HEX – Director – Katrín Helga Andrésdóttir.”
Artistic Music Video
Winner is Vesturbæjar-beach by Snæfríður Sól Gunnarsdóttir and the award is 250 000 ISK worth of equipment from KUKL rental and 250 000 ISK from Síminn.
Jury: Árni Sveinsson, Ugla Hauksdóttir and Þóra Hilmarsdóttir
Jury's statement:“Vesturbæjar-beach is a funny and insightful look at the tropical paradise of Reykjavík's westside. The story is simple and executed with humor, and sincere playfulness, with lots of surprises along the way. It perfectly captures the optimism and positivity it takes to live on our chilly island. The work of the filmmakers is a great example of what can be done when good ideas are executed with little means and the visual approach takes you on a journey that is a joy to experience from beginning to end.”
Snæfríður's mother accepted the award on her behalf
Documentary
Winner: Brávallagata 12 by Birna Ketilsdóttir, award 500.000 ISK in equipment from KUKL and 500.000 ISK cash price from Síminn.
Jury's Statement:“A brave experiment where the simple single-shot setup reveals family secrets and dynamics to the audience. It both freezes time and acknowledges space rarely revisited when the director places them in front of the old family home. The concise form gives a glimpse of what was and what did not become. Honest and true portrait.”
Special mention goes to Step by Guðný Lind Þorsteinsdóttir.
Jury's Statement:“A well-shot and formed documentary that goes beyond the surface. A beautiful portrait of a dancer contrasted with some of the dance business's dark secrets. The brutal honesty exposes emotion and offers a solution, a way of survival without a whining tone or sentiment.”
Birna Ketilsdóttir
Experimental
Winner CHRYSALS by Eydís Eir Brynju- Björnsdóttir and the award is 250.000 ISK worth in rental equipment from KUKL and 250.000 ISK from Síminn.
Jury: Ásdís Sif Gunnarsdóttir, Sigurður Guðjónsson og Vera Sölvadóttir.
Jury's Statement:“Although experimental films explore non-narrative forms this particular film takes you on an orchestrated visual journey. The film is overflowing with beautiful imagery and colors, and a perfectly fitting set- and sound design. The personal voice-over narration gives the audience just enough to follow the intimate thoughts of the main character, gracefully accompanied by music. The editing and elements of mise-en-scene makes this an interesting film to watch.”