Jury motivation:

The Faroese director Sakaris Stórá explores the push-pull of life on remote islands in his most accomplished feature yet. More than the question of staying or leaving, the film delves into themes of personal loss, emotional paralysis, and ecological crisis. After Kári’s mother dies, his family loses both direction and compassion. As fish stocks dwindle, the film gently hints that all is not well with Mother Earth. Kári must relearn how to express care, just as the male-dominated fishing world must realign with nature. The contrast between women swimming in the sea and the harsh world of the factory offers a poetic metaphor for reconnection. Sakaris Stórá does not surrender to dramatic plot-twists. Rather, he delicately lays bare frozen grief and the quiet struggle for healing. In Faroese, heim means both “home” and “world”, and the film suggests the way back home is through compassion. With remarkable performances from young actors Sámal H. Hansen, Bjørg B. Egholm, and Bjørn M. Mohr, and strong support from seasoned names, Stórá proves his talent for directing nuanced ensemble work. With stunning cinematography and a haunting score, this Danish-Faroese co-production is arguably the strongest Faroese feature to date and a powerful contender for the Nordic Council Film Prize.