Eðvarð Egilsson Recognized as Winner of HARPA Nordic Film Composers Award 2024
Photo credit: Thomas Kolbeinn Bjork Olsen
HARPA Nordic Film Music Days & Nordic Film Composers Award is an annual event during Berlinale – Berlin International Film Festival where they pride themselves in communicating & presenting the quality of Nordic film and media-music, strengthening artistic and musical interaction between the Nordic countries and creating a platform where the composers can meet, communicate, and cooperate. This years award ceremony took place, once again, at Felleshuset at Nordische Botschaften in Berlin.
Eðvarð Egilsson was the winner of the HARPA Nordic Film Composers Award 2024 for his score to Anna Hints' ’Smoke Sauna Sisterhood'.
Eðvarð has garnered significant praise from the International jury for his award-winning score in the film "Smoke Sauna Sisterhood." In their statement, the jury described the score as "very special," attributing its uniqueness to the collaborative process between the composer and the director. They specifically highlighted the blend of human voices, rhythmic elements, and fleshy sounds, which collectively imparted an earthy, earnest, and poetic essence to the film.
Marianne Ostrat, the producer of "Smoke Sauna Sisterhood," commended Eðvarð not only for his musical talent but also for his openness and curiosity regarding South-Estonian smoke sauna culture. She emphasized his flexibility and readiness to explore the unknown, noting the seamless alignment of his mindset and sensibility with the film's vision. Ostrat concluded her statement by extending heartfelt congratulations to Eðvarð, expressing immense pride and happiness for the well-deserved recognition.
Guðrún Björk Bjarnadóttir the CEO of STEF on behalf of the the Icelandic composer association highlighted that this is the 5th time that Iceland, such a small nation, has won this prestigious award and for that we are extremely proud.