Norwegian International Film Festival

The Norwegian International Film Festival is held every August in Haugesund, Norway, and is the country’s oldest film festival, dating back to 1973. Each year, it brings together filmmakers and audiences to celebrate cinema, with the prestigious Amanda Awards as a highlight.

• Held annually in Haugesund, Norway since 1973
• Hosts the prestigious Amanda Awards for Norwegian film
• Features the Haugesund Walk of Fame on Haraldsgata
• Attracts filmmakers, critics, and cinema lovers
• Oldest film festival in Norway

What it is

The Norwegian International Film Festival is a major annual event in Norway’s film calendar, taking place in the coastal town of Haugesund. Since its founding in 1973, it has become a central meeting point for Norwegian and international filmmakers, critics, and cinema lovers. The festival is best known for hosting the Amanda Awards, Norway’s most significant film prize, which recognizes outstanding achievements in Norwegian cinema. For many, the festival is both a celebration of film as an art form and a showcase of new talent and established voices in the industry.

Where it comes from

The festival began in 1973, making it the oldest film festival in Norway. Over the decades, it has grown in stature and influence, becoming a key platform for Norwegian and Nordic cinema. In 1985, the Amanda Award was introduced at the festival to honor excellence in film and, initially, television. The Amanda Awards have since become a symbol of achievement in Norwegian film, with the award itself designed by sculptor Kristian Kvakland. The festival’s history is closely tied to the development of Norway’s film industry and its growing presence on the international stage.

How it is celebrated

During the festival week, Haugesund comes alive with film screenings, award ceremonies, and special events. The Amanda Awards, presented in a variety of film categories, are a highlight, with the ceremony attracting filmmakers, actors, and media. The festival also features the Haugesund Walk of Fame, where notable Norwegian film personalities are honored with granite blocks laid in Haraldsgata, the town’s main street. Attendees can expect a lively atmosphere, with opportunities to watch new films, attend discussions, and see Norwegian cinema celebrated in style. The festival offers a mix of glamour, creativity, and community spirit, reflecting the passion for film in Norway.

Joining in

Visitors to Haugesund during the festival can experience a vibrant film culture, with most events centered around the town’s cinemas and public spaces. The main celebrations, including the Amanda Awards and Walk of Fame ceremony, are open to festivalgoers, who can mingle with industry professionals and film enthusiasts. Expect a welcoming atmosphere, with screenings, talks, and the chance to explore Haugesund’s scenic setting between films. Whether you’re a dedicated cinephile or a curious newcomer, the festival offers a unique window into Norwegian cinema.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Norwegian International Film Festival, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Norwegian International Film Festival on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources listed above, and checked automatically before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.