The 2026 Nordic Film Market celebrated cinematic excellence by bestowing its top honors upon “Out of Athens,” directed by Badrudin Ga’ur, and “Chentian,” helmed by Suha Arraf. These awards not only recognize the artistic achievements of the films but also underscore the robust and expanding international potential of Nordic cinema. The significant financial and post-production support accompanying these prizes provides a crucial boost for the filmmakers, enabling further development and wider distribution of their works. The market continues to be a vital platform for showcasing emerging talents and fostering co-production opportunities within the global film community, reinforcing the Nordic region's standing in the international film landscape.
The winning projects, “Out of Athens” and “Chentian,” represent compelling narratives with global appeal, reflecting the discerning judgment of the Nordic Film Market’s expert juries. The market's reputation for identifying films with both critical acclaim and commercial viability positions these award winners for future success on the international stage. This recognition is particularly significant given the Nordic region's consistent track record of producing films that garner major accolades, including Oscar nominations and prestigious festival honors. The sustained success of films emerging from this market points to a thriving ecosystem that supports creative vision and innovative storytelling, further solidifying its importance in contemporary cinema.
“Out of Athens” Earns Financial Recognition for Debut Feature
Badrudin Ga’ur’s inaugural feature film, “Out of Athens,” has been honored with the prestigious Film Finances Scandinavia Award at the 2026 Göteborg Festival Nordic Film Market’s Discovery platform. This accolade, accompanied by a substantial €15,000 in development funding, specifically acknowledges a Nordic feature project demonstrating both exceptional artistic quality and strong international potential. The jury, comprised of prominent industry figures, praised Ga’ur’s risk-taking and his ability to address timely global issues through a deeply personal narrative, infused with the theme of young love. “Out of Athens” stands out as a promising debut from a new talent in the Nordic film scene, indicating a bright future for the Norwegian/Somali screenwriter-director.
“Out of Athens” delves into the complex theme of immigration, a recurring subject in Ga’ur’s work. The film is characterized as an "intimate thriller" and tells the story of Maja, a Norwegian woman, who is employed by a human smuggler to impersonate the lover of Kasim, an undocumented man attempting to traverse Europe. What starts as a simulated relationship gradually evolves into genuine affection and peril, as described in the synopsis. The jury for the Film Finances Scandinavia Award, which included Thomas Rosso from Cannes Critics’ Week, Emilie Szemraj from Protagonist Pictures, and Max Malka from Banijay Finland, expressed their admiration for the film's originality and its capacity to interweave a pressing global concern with a poignant personal journey, highlighting the hopeful power of new romance.
“Chentian” Receives Post-Production Support for its Thematic Depth
Suha Arraf’s second directorial venture, “Chentian,” has been granted the Tint Post-Production Award at the 2026 Nordic Film Market. This significant award, valued at €35,000 in post-production services, marks another milestone for Arraf, known for her acclaimed screenwriting on films such as “The Syrian Bride” and “Lemon Tree.” Produced by May Odeh of Palestine’s Odeh Films and Germany’s Mayana Films, “Chentian” builds upon Arraf’s reputation for crafting compelling narratives, particularly those centered around women’s experiences within challenging societal contexts. The film's recognition at the Nordic Film Market underscores its artistic merit and potential impact, providing crucial resources for its final stages of completion.
“Chentian” is set in a Palestinian village located within “Israel” and explores the intricate lives of two sisters-in-law, Nabila and Shams, who are bound by an arranged marriage. The narrative unfolds as they navigate their hidden desires and confront the threats of eviction from their ancestral land, especially after one of them becomes a widow. The Tint jury, comprising Malika Rabahallah of Filmfest Hamburg, Léonard Altmann of Charades, and Nordisk Film producer Thomas Robsahm, lauded “Chentian” as a “poetic story of women fighting for liberation.” They noted that the women’s individual struggles effectively mirror the complex political environment surrounding them. The jury highlighted the film's quiet and delicate approach in portraying identity, suppressed sexuality, and the enduring hope of women who refuse to be silenced, making it a powerful and timely cinematic work.
