Oscar-nominated Monica Hellström vies for Nordisk Panorama Nordic Doc Producer Award

The inaugural Nordic Producer Documentary Award worth €10,000 will be handed out September 26 on the closing day of the major Nordisk Panorama Festival in Malmö.

The selection of the candidates - described as ‘by no means an easy task’ - was coordinated by the national directors’ guilds, based on the producers’ films achieved within the previous five years.

Twice Oscar-nominated earlier this year for A House Made of Splinters and Oscar candidate in 2022 for best documentary with Flee, Danish producer Monica Hellström of Ström Pictures was nominated for her ability to “give a voice to those who do not normally have one, always with empathy and integrity." "She has taken on the challenges with contagious joy and a drive that spreads throughout her productions. Several deep director collaborations have taken place, which have resulted in the production of some wildly ambitious films like A House Made of Splinters, Forget Me Not and Flee," said the selection committee.

Finland’s Finnish filmmaker, and director Timo Korhonen of Road Movies, was nominated for his “profound and warm approach that shows a deep understanding and appreciation of the art of documentary film”.

Acknowledged in particular for his work on the multi-awarded film Ruthless Times-Songs of Care (Armotonta menoa - Hoivatyön lauluja) by Susanne Helke, the selection committee praised the bold challenge he took in “producing a documentary musical that takes a stand on current societal phenomena and is not afraid of using tools of fiction.” “Ruthless Times-Songs of Care skilfully dismantles an abstract topic, the crisis in elderly care, while engaging the audience emotionally. The film explores the possibilities of the documentary form in a unique way, with the producer’s contribution being remarkable in the creative process,” said the directors’ guild.

Iceland’s Heather Millard of Compass Films, was selected for “her support to inexperienced Icelandic filmmakers as a mentor and collaborator during the process, using her vast knowledge, warmth and generosity to guide them as well as working with established directors”.

“She challenges herself with each project and has often taken a chance on relatively inexperienced filmmakers supporting them in their first films to succeed,” said the selection committee, highlighting her films Band, Of Good Report, and YARN.

Norway’s KriStine Ann Skaret, who run Straydog for many years before settting up Stær Film with Elisa Fernanda Pirir earlier this year, was nominated for “her commitment, courage, will and ability to create director-driven creative documentaries with an exciting bouquet of filmmakers.”

“She creates space in film productions for directors to experiment and explore innovative ideas and invests in new and young directing talents. KriStine Ann Skaret shows that it is possible to think alternatively and to challenge the genre, thereby making an important contribution to developing the Scandinavian documentary film as an art form,” said the selection committee.

Sweden’s Stina Gardell of Mantaray Film, was selected for her unique determination, tenacity, assurance”, and her work on “world class Swedish documentaries for years.”

“With consistent artistic vision and penchant for tuning into what the audiences are interested in, she has created a strong signature brand. Stina has contributed immensely to the Swedish documentary field with films like I am Ingrid, The World's Most Beautiful Boy, The Nun, and Josefin & Florin,” said the directors’ guilds.

For the full programme of Nordisk Panorama, check www.nordiskpanorama.com