Amanda Kernell was honored with the Silver Shell for Best Director at the 74th San Sebastian International Film Festival. It's the second international award for BRACE YOUR HEART in one week.
Amanda Kernell’s critically acclaimed BRACE YOUR HEART, which celebrated its European premiere at the San Sebastián International Film Festival last week, was honored at Saturday evening’s awards ceremony with the prestigious Silver Shell for Best Director. Amanda Kernell becomes the first Swedish director to win the award in 26 years.
"This film is the result of so much hard work and collaboration from so many people, as well as all the individuals who contributed their memories. I am so grateful that the jury has chosen to present me with this award. I share it with everyone who made this film possible," says Amanda Kernell.
BRACE YOUR HEART is produced by Eva Åkergren for Nordisk Film Production, and CEO Katrine Vogelsang is thrilled for the whole team behind the Swedish drama.
“A huge thank you and congratulations to Amanda Kernell and everyone who contributed to this film – especially producer Eva Åkergren and a fantastic team of co-producers, as well as our truly amazing Sámi cast. I have immense respect for the team behind the production, who successfully delivered on extremely challenging and complicated shoots. This is a wonderful testament to Swedish cinema being back in the top tier of European filmmaking," says Katrine Vogelsang.
The San Sebastián jury was led by jury president and director Ira Sachs, alongside director Genki Kawamura, screenwriter Catherine Paillé, actor Alice Braga, artist Patricia López Arnaiz, actor Bill Skarsgård, and producer Mike Goodridge.
BRACE YOUR HEART also recently received the Special Jury Award in the Platform competition at the Toronto International Film Festival.
About the film
SYNOPSIS: In a remote Sámi village high in the mountains, 20-year-old Ejva inherits her late father's reindeer herd. As she struggles to keep the herd thriving, local leader Heaika develops romantic feelings for her, and though hesitant, she feels compelled to accept. But everything changes when Nejla, Heaika’s cousin, arrives, and Ejva discovers true love for the first time. Betrayed and jealous, Heaika reacts harshly, leaving Ejva with a condition that makes her hands shake uncontrollably, threatening her ability to care for the herd. Now, Ejva must find a way to reclaim control over her life and her future.
BRACE YOUR HEART is written and directed by Amanda Kernell and produced by Eva Åkergren for Nordisk Film Production. The film is coproduced with Forest People, Compass Films, Invictus, Nordisk Film Production Denmark, Filmpool Nord, SVT and Film i Väst and supported by The Swedish Film Institute, The Danish Film Institute, The International Sámi Film Institute, Nordisk Film & TV Fund, Bulgarian National Film Center, Icelandic Film Centre, Eurimages and Arktisk Film Norge. Local distribution by Nordisk Film. International sales is handled by TrustNordisk.