Winner of the 2022 Nordic Council Film Prize

Lamb, winner of Nordic Council Filmprize 2022
Photographer
Magnus Fröderberg, norden.org
The 2022 Nordic Council Film Prize goes to the Icelandic film “Lamb” by director and screenwriter Valdimar Jóhannsson, screenwriter Sjón and producers Hrönn Kristinsdóttir and Sara Nassim.

Rationale

In “Lamb” the director creates a unique tale of loss, grief and horror. The highly original story explores classic themes of man’s interaction with mother nature and the consequences of defying her forces.  It also deals with the beauty and brutality of parenthood and the extreme measures we may take to protect the happiness we feel entitled to.

 

The film is a disturbing and original cinematic experience. The animals’ sensitivity to the slightest anomaly in their surroundings is used very effectively to create a sense of underlying threat, which is magnificently underscored by a constantly attentive yet unobtrusive camera and an eerie soundscape. 

 

The incisive use of few meaningful elements to conjure an abiding sense of dread makes for a visually effective and atmospheric storytelling experience.

 

“Lamb” marks an impressive debut for director, Valdimar Jóhannsson.

 

Original title: Dýrið

English title: Lamb

Director: Valdimar Jóhannsson

Screenwriters: Sjón and Valdimar Jóhannsson

Producers: Hrönn Kristinsdóttir and Sara Nassim