The 38th Minimalen Short Film Festival January 13-18, 2026
» Programme 2026		» Catalogue download

Awards 2026

International Competition

Best International Film - The Minimalen Trophy and 1000 euro granted by Minimalen

• DARIA’S NIGHT FLOWERS by Maryam Tafakory (IRN, FRA, GBR)

For its poetic portrayal of symbols of solidarity and rebellion among women, and for placing decades of Iranian cinema in a lyrical, metaphorical context.

Honorable Mention
• THESE VOICES ARE REAL (In Sedaha Vagheist) by Baran Nikrah (IRN)

Short Film Festivals have the power to show us parts of our world which exist outside of our perspectives. A special mention for giving us an insight into a system that is part of the real life of women of Iran which we were not aware of.

Jury: Sven Schwarz (DEU), Anna Lian (NOR), Kornél Szilágyi (HUN)

Audience Award International Competition - 500 euro granted by by Minimalen

• THESE VOICES ARE REAL (In Sedaha Vagheist) by Baran Nikrah (IRN)

International and Nordic Competition (combined award)

The Raskin Spirit Festival Award
Overarching the two main competitions, and selected by the festival team.

• THESE VOICES ARE REAL (In Sedaha Vagheist) by Baran Nikrah (IRN)

The award was established to celebrate the unique qualities of a compact, poetic short film that make use of the visual and auditive possibilities in an imaginative way, and do not follow the traditional feature film dramaturgy.

Nordic Competition

Best Nordic Film - The Minimalen Trophy and 1.000 euro granted by NTNU - Department of Art and Media Studies

• THE THIEF by Christoffer Rizvanovic Stenbakken (Greenland, DNK)

Because of its purity and its integrity, we get the impression we become one with the universe and the character in a setting very far removed from everything we know, but we're there with him all the way in his noble quest for justice. Due to its simplicity and universality. We're talking direct cinema at its finest here where the line between documentary and fiction becomes a non-question. A Most wonderful accomplishment that deserves nothing but our appreciation and our recognition.

Best Norwegian Film - The Minimalen Trophy and 5.000 kroner granted by by Minimalen
• EGO by Vegard Dahle

In a universe where self-fulfilment is the only guiding principle, and where the outside world is eclipsed by a curious pursuit of bodily sensations. Knocked-out teeth become an exciting experience, and the experimental dinner menu means everything. And what use are children when you can sip foam cocktails by the pool? This film offers both great humour and a distinctly uncomfortable atmosphere. Direction, cinematography, cast and editing come together as the perfect ingredients in this brilliant and delicious short-film soup.

Best Nordic Documentary
• CAKE by Christian Alexander Holm Glad (NOR)

In this film we meet the artist and sex worker Lindsay Dye. She talks about sexism, fetishism and her “cake sitting” performances. We appreciated that the film challenges prejudices and assumptions, as it follows her everyday life in Brooklyn and her work as a cam girl.

Best Nordic Animation
• FLOWER SHOW by Elli Vuorinen (FIN)

For a vibrantly crafted, surreal and witty animation that plays with nature and power constructs, to reveal much about the expectations placed upon women.

For its flawless cinematic blend of ancient and contemporary practices. For its mesmerising and memorable nature. For the deeply rooted, atmospheric and overtly spiritual trip the film took us on.

Honorable Mention
• Pirateland by Stavros Petropoulos (FRA, GRC, NOR, SVN)

For an ingeniously scripted, suspenseful and amusing take on commercial exploitation, exoticisation and the games people play in an unequal and increasingly surreal world, signalling an exciting directorial voice able to captivate audiences while having much to say on power in modern times.

Best Norwegian Prerunner
To be screened before a feature film at Trondheim kino for one month, selected by Trondheim kino.

• GRAVITY RACER av Finn Walther

To a humorous and well-executed film that truly delighted the jury. The film tells a simple yet moving story where the ultimate descent becomes a symbol of courage, freedom, and the willingness to release control. The jury was impressed by the film’s visual expression and it’s to-the-point storytelling, making it a tribute to the imagination and courage of childhood.

One-minute-film Competitions

Best One-minute-film YOUNG
Audience Award, 3.000 kroner granted by Midtnorsk Filmsenter

• TRIAL OF THE NIGHT av Vegard Schiefloe, Markus Ansnes, Edgar Sydskjør, Elias Bjørkøy Martinsen

Best One-minute-film (Open)
Audience Award, the trophy Den Gyldne Saks 2.0

• PRIMAL INSTINCT WITH BUCK SAVAGE av Henrik Remøy

Regional Student Film Competition

Best film

• THE RETURNING (Tilbakekomstene) av Mille Dahl-Folden

The film combines absurdity and humor with excellent direction. It is playful, intriguing, and surprising. It is distinctly indistinct, causing us to scratch our heads and crack a smile at the same time. The film challenges conventions and experiments at an impressively high level. In this case, relatively high risks have been taken with great payoff. This year's winner pushes the parent-child relationship to the extreme in a mishmash of recurring deaths and indifference.

Multiplié Dance Film

Multiplié Dance Film: Nordic Competition

Best Film - 1.000 euro granted by DansiT

• EVERYTHING IS RIGHT BEFORE av Anna Antsalo, Jenni-Elina von Bagh (FIN)

Multiplié Dance Film: International Competition

Best Film - 1.000 euro granted by DansiT

• BOLERO.S av Mehdi Kerkouche (FRA)

Jury: Henrik Skotte (NOR), Sindre Sten Vik (NOR), Mari Nilsen Neira (NOR)

Note: According to the Festival Competition Rules, the festival is responsible for awarding the above mentioned prizes to the directors of the winning films.

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