The winners of the prestigious 2024 Nordisk Film & TV Fond Prize have recently been announced. Johan Fasting, Silje Storstein, and Kristin Grue, the talented group behind the political drama Power Play, have been selected for this prestigious award. The ceremony took place during the Göteborg Film Festival’s TV Drama Vision event. The winners will receive a substantial award of NOK 200,000 (approx €20,000), which is generously funded by the Nordisk Film & TV fund.
The panel of judges, comprised of Vinca Wiedemann, Joel Spira, Kateryna Vyshnevska, and Charlotte Winberg, had the challenging task of selecting a winner from a wide range of exceptional dramas. Their ultimate choice, Power Play, stood out from the rest due to its ability to combine historical facts with humor and playfulness. The series explores a significant turning point in political history, delving into themes of truth, lies, and the fallibility of memory. It captures the nuances of human idealism and flaws, making it a compelling and thought-provoking watch.
Power Play unfolds over six hour-long episodes and is broadcasted by NRK. The series is set in both 1974 and 2023, creating an intriguing narrative. It focuses on a critical period in political history and follows the experiences of the young idealist Gro Harlem Brundtland. When a devastating feud between the Chairman and the Prime Minister tears the Labour Party apart, Gro finds herself reluctantly embroiled in the world of modern politics. As the government crumbles around her, she learns to navigate the games of power, steadily climbing the ranks. In the end, she emerges as the last woman standing amidst the ruins of the once-celebrated social democracy of Labour.
The Nordisk Film & TV Fond Prize has a rich history of honoring exceptional television dramas. Previous recipients of this prestigious award include Kenneth Karlstad for Kids in Crime (2023), Gísli Örn Gardarsson, Björn Hlynur Haraldsson, and Mikael Torfason for Blackport (2022), Maja Jul Larsen for Cry Wolf (2021), Sara Johnsen for 22 July (2020), Merja Aakko and Mika Ronkainen for All the Sins (2019), Adam Price for Ride Upon the Storm (2018), and Mette. M. With such an illustrious list of winners, it is clear that Power Play is in excellent company.
The recognition bestowed upon Power Play is well-deserved. Fasting, Storstein, and Grue have crafted a remarkable series that encapsulates the essence of political history. By blending factual events with a touch of humor and embracing the complexities of human nature, they have created a drama that resonates with audiences. The sheer talent behind Power Play sets the bar high for future political dramas, challenging writers and filmmakers to continue pushing boundaries and exploring themes that captivate and provoke thought. The Nordisk Film & TV Fond Prize has once again highlighted excellence in television, ensuring that outstanding dramas receive the recognition they deserve.