Bent Hamer inspires Lübeck: honorary award and festival premieres!

Bent Hamer inspires Lübeck: honorary award and festival premieres!

The Norwegian director Bent Hamer was awarded the honorary prize at the celebratory event of the Nordic Film Days Lübeck. Hamer, who traveled from the Greek island of Crete, plans to return there after the festival. This award marks another chapter in his impressive career, which is characterized by numerous successes and innovative films. Hamer has a long-standing connection to the Nordic Film Festival, which he has attended for 36 years and which is particularly close to his heart.

The artistic director of the Nordic Film Days, Thomas Hailer, highlighted Hamer's lasting influence on the festival. At the award ceremony, the director recalled a previous award in 1995, where he was unable to attend in person due to the impending birth of his son. He wanted to express his mixed feelings and emphasize that he hopes his best film is still ahead of him - an attitude that underlines his tireless creativity.

His filmography in focus

Bent Hamer has collected numerous awards throughout his career. In 2003 he received the European Distribution Award at the Cannes International Film Festival for his film “Kitchen Stories”. His work “O’ Horten” premiered in Cannes in 2008 and was the Norwegian submission for the Oscars. In 1995 he won the Baltic Film Prize and the NDR Film Prize at the Nordic Film Days Lübeck for “Eggs”.

Hamer has selected five films for this year's Nordic Film Days, including the world premiere of “Astrid Lindgren – Humanity has lost its mind”. The festival also opened with the German premiere of “Therapy for Vikings”, a black comedy by Anders Thomas Jensen. Hamer has a knack for selecting films that appeal to both audiences and critics.

Open questions in the film world

The importance of film art is reflected not only in the personal careers of artists like Hamer, but also in the networking within the industry. The European Film Awards is an example of the recognition of European film art. This prize has been awarded in over 20 categories since 1988 and is considered one of the most prestigious film awards in Europe. The next award ceremony is expected for January 17, 2026 in Berlin.

The festival in Lübeck is more than just an event for Nordic films; it is a place of exchange and inspiration. Hamer, who originally studied law before devoting himself to film production, is a symbol of the passion and commitment it takes to break into the film industry. Even though “bent” in its meaning is often associated with an inclination or certainty, it remains a challenge to realize one's artistic vision in today's film world. Perhaps it is precisely this challenge that drives Hamer and his colleagues to create new things and inspire the audience.

With a festive start and numerous premieres, the Nordic Film Days Lübeck are a real treat for film fans and a platform that puts artists like Bent Hamer in the spotlight. It will be exciting to see what films and talent will emerge in the next few years.