WINS BEST SHORT FILM AT TIFF

IN MY HAND WINS BEST SHORT FILM AT TROMSØ FILM FESTIVAL

The short documentary In My Hand, directed by Marja Helander and Liselotte Wajstedt, has been awarded the prestigious Tromsø Palm for Best Short Film at the 35th Tromsø International Film Festival. The award ceremony took place on Saturday, January 18th, in Tromsø.

The film had its world premiere at the festival on January 16th. It will have its international premiere at the Göteborg Film Festival later this month.

About The Tromsø Palm – Shorts

The Tromsø Palm is awarded the best short film (under 60 minutes) in the side program Films from the North. The director of the winning film receives 5000 euros from film resource centers in the Barents region. This year’s jury: Volker Kufahl, Elisabeth Rasmussen, Endre Lund Eriksen. Read more here.

In recent years, several Sámi films have won The Tromsø Palm awards. In 2023, Unborn Biru by Elin Marakatt took the prize, while Rádji by John Erling Utsi won in 2022. Last year, the Tromsø Palm introduced a feature film award, which was won by Katja Gaurilof’s Je’vida. This year, Katja served on the jury for 2025. Read more here.

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More about In My Hand 

This compelling true story, narrated by Niillas Somby, explores the personal and historical struggles of the Sámi people. The film navigates between imprisonment, protests, and surreal encounters, providing a unique insight into one man’s extraordinary journey. It concludes with a powerful call to action for the preservation of nature.

Directors: Marja Helander and Liselotte Wajstedt
Producer: Linn Henriksen by Paranord Film
Co-Producers: Filmpool Nord, Sons of Lumière, Vaja Filmproductions and Fount Films
Screenplay: Liselotte Wajstedt
Cinematographer: Mauri Lähdesmäki
Editor: Mauri Lähdesmäki
Production Coordinator: Suvi Autio
Music: Hildá Länsman & Tuomas Norvio  Ella Marie Heatta Isaksen, Mathias Josefson
Cast: Niillas Somby, Mihkkal Hætta, Stig Frode Henriksen, Martin Hykkerud, Knut Bartholdsen, Marja Helander, Ásllát Aital Somby, Lars J. Svonni
Length: 24 min
Year: 2025

This version of In My Hand is an extended version of the film created in the ÁRRAN 360° Project 2.0, BODØ2024 (2024, 12 min).

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About Tromsø International Film Festival
Tromsø International Film Festival screens challenging quality films for a local, national, and international audience. The festival has grown tremendously since its first commenced in 1991. The total number of admissions in 1991 was 5,200—in 2020, it was 60,003. TIFF 2025 will be the 35th edition of the festival, taking place January 13-19. Read more here.

About Göteborg Film Festival
The Göteborg Film Festival, Sweden, is the largest public film festival in the Nordic region and the premier annual meeting place for the Nordic film industry. It spans eleven days between 24. January and 2. February 2025, which is organized as a hybrid event featuring both in-person and digital film screenings. Read more here.

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ISFI has supported In My Hand.