NORTHERN LIGHT TALENTS + HARPA AWARDS
Northern Lights Talents - Showcasing Nordic Film Talents during the Berlinale Film Festival
Northern Light Talents was a cultural initiative created to elevate emerging Nordic actors — and later Nordic film composers — onto the international stage during the Berlinale International Film Festival. The project aimed to strengthen the visibility of Nordic talent within the global film industry and build meaningful connections between artists, casting directors, producers, and international decision-makers.
Initiation
The idea came from, now Film Commissioner Linda Steinhoff, and we initiated and developed a two-year event series hosted at the Nordic Embassies in Berlin. The first edition in Northern Light Talents 2015 focused exclusively on promoting selected Nordic actors to an international market during the Berlinale Film Festival.
Following the strong reception of the debut event, the 2016 edition expanded to include the HARPA Nordic Film Composers Award, creating a joint platform that celebrated both acting and music achievements within Nordic cinema.
Our task was to conceptualize, organize, cast and produce a high-level industry event that could position Nordic talent at the center of Berlinale’s international attention.
Our approach
Working closely with the Nordic Film Institute and the Nordic embassy - , we developed a cohesive event experience combining talent showcases, industry networking, and cultural promotion.
We managed all elements of the production:
– Concept and event design
– Talent selection and coordination
– Communication strategy and promotional materials
– Event logistics and execution at the Nordic Embassies
– Red carpet reception and press activities
- Administration and Budgeting
The event brought together Nordic and international actors, film composers, directors, producers, and casting professionals — creating a space for collaboration and future opportunities.
Result
Northern Light Talents became a respected Berlinale side-event, receiving positive recognition from industry participants, the press, and cultural institutions. The collaboration with the HARPA Awards in 2016 further strengthened the initiative’s reputation, offering Nordic talent increased visibility and a unified presence within the international film community.
This event was funded by the Nordic Culture Fund, the Nordic Film Composers Network, the Finnish Embassy, the Norwegian Embassy, the Swedish Embassy, the Icelandic Embassy, and the Danish Embassy, and was held at the Nordic Embassies in Berlin.
CLIENT/PROJECT: NFI – Norwegian Film Institute / Northern Light Talents / Harpa Awards
LOCATION: Nordic Embassies, + Q Hotel, Berlin
SERVICE: Initiative, concept development, casting, production, event execution, communication strategy
IN THE PRESS
