Max Manus Rules 2009 Amanda Nominations

Max Manus' scriptwriter Thomas Nordseth-Tiller, who sadly passed away aged 28, is nominated in his category, and so is lead actor Aksel Hennie. The second most nominated film is Troubled Water (De usynlige) by Erik Poppe, running in six categories including Best Direction and Best Leading Actress (Denmark's Trine Dyrholm). In third place is Rune Denstad Langlo's North with five nominations, including Best Film and Best Script (Erlend Loe). Langlo is not mentioned for Best Director, but gets a chance to win another Amanda for his documentary film 99% Honest (99% ærlig). Jernanger (The Storm in my Heart) by Pål Jackman, is the third film running for Best Film.

The three films competing for Best Children and Youth film are Through a Glass, Darkly (I et speil, i en gåte), Orps, the Movie and Yatzy. Ingrid Bolsø Berdal who won an Amanda last year as Best Leading Actress for her role in the horror movie Cold Prey (Fritt vilt), will try to double her win with the same part in Cold Prey 2. In the Best Actor category, Kristoffer Joner is nominated for two films: the chiller Hidden (Skjult) and The Last Joint Venture (Den siste revejakta).

24 films released in Norway between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009, are running for an Amanda in 19 different categories. They will be judged by four professional juries. This year's awards ceremony presided by Åse Kleveland, will be transmitted live from Haugesund on TV2 Norway.

The Amandas are the prelude to the 37^th Norwegian International Film Festival that will open on Sunday 23 with Sara Johnsen's film Upperdog and close on August 27 with Arild Østi Ommundsen's Rottenetter. The Nordic film market ‘New Nordic Films' will run from August 20 to 23.

For the full list of Amanda nominations, see http://www.filmfestivalen.no/