Eight films are competing for two prizes. Winners will be announced on March 13th.

Young People’s Jury for Film Award

Young People’s Jury for Film Award for best youth film is awarded by a high school class from Malmö and is organized by Malmö Kulturskola.

Prize: 25.000 kr

Jury: Year 8 from Värner Rydénskolan Malmö


Standing: Minahil Saqib, Simili Esmandar, Aalaa Nassir och Aryan Ramadhan
Sitting: Kasim Gülsahin och Olena Poter.

The Church of Sweden Award

The Church of Sweden Prize goes to a youth film that maintains high artistic quality and highlights issues about society, existence and justice in a way that affects both young people and adults.

Prize: 100.000 kr

Jury:

Emma Gray Munthe
Film journalist who reviews films for Aftonbladet and SVT. Juror at BUFF as well as at festivals including SXSW and Cannes.

Pelle Rådström
Screenwriter, winner of the Nordic Script Series Award at the Gothenburg Film Festival; recently involved with Kevlarsjäl, which was nominated for seven Guldbagge Awards and won three.

Kristina Klingberg
Deacon of the Swedish Church, Malmö, focused on youth work and school relations.

Felix Illi
Parish educator in Höllviken, focused on confirmation and youth work. Avid film and series fan, experienced role-player and former rock musician.

Ebba Törnkvist
Nineteen-year-old Ebba is a member of the district board for the Church of Sweden Youth in the Lund Diocese. She works in elderly care and studied e-sports media in high school.

Competing films:

Film

The Girls from Above

Héloïse runs away from her youth home and meets Mallorie, who offers her to move in with her. The apartment becomes Héloïse’s new home and the girls who live there, her new family. But they all carry wounds and secrets that threaten the fragile balance between them. A strong and engaging film about finding strength in unexpected places. Nominated for the FIPRESCI Award.

Film

The Legend of Juan Jose Mundo

16-year-old Julie longs for love and feels like she’s the only one in the world who has never managed to get a boyfriend. When the class welcomes a group of Spanish exchange students, Juan, the boy everyone falls madly in love with, is going to stay with her. This year’s 80s-scented indie comedy about love and friendship.

Film

Ollie

13-year-old Pierre dreams of becoming a good skateboarder but is bullied at school by boys his age who are at a completely different level with their boarding. When it turns out that Bertrand, a weed-smoking and beer-drinking slacker, has a past as a skateboarder, Pierre persuades him to give lessons for payment. An exciting drama about life choices, identity, and skating.

Film

The Uniform

After failing the entrance exam to a secondary school, Ai starts attending school in the evening. In her spot in the classroom sits another girl during the day. They develop a friendship and are interested in the same boy. With a lot of heart and humor, the film tells a story about love, lies, hierarchies, and demands.

Film

Skiff

15-year-old rowing talent Malou has short hair and dresses differently. In the changing room, she is teased for not fitting in, but her older brother Max stands up for her through thick and thin. During the summer, Max’s new girlfriend Nouria enters Malou’s life, and everything is turned upside down. A summer-warm film about identity, family, and love at its most intense.

Film

Olmo

Olmo is secretly in love with the girl next door but is hopelessly awkward and uncool to impress her. But the chance of a lifetime appears: if he can get hold of a stereo, he and his friend can go to a party with her. The problem is that Olmo has to stay home and take care of his father who has MS. A humorous and visually appealing gem.

Film

Beef

Lati, a young rapper of African descent, finds her refuge in freestyle and rap battles after her father’s death. But it’s no bed of roses. She faces disapproval from her traditional mother, has difficulty keeping up with her dental studies, and the battle arena is both a sexist and racist environment. She is secretly trained by Judy, a former rapper. An 8 mile, BUFF-style. Nominated for the FIPRESCI Award.

Film

Nipster

When Chris doesn’t get the horse she wants to ride at the stable, she joins a friend at a summer camp for climate-engaged youth. She soon realizes that both participants and leaders are driven by a dangerous, eco-fascist agenda, which becomes evident in the encounter with a nearby refugee residence. Nominated for the FIPRESCI Award.