Coming-of-Age Film from Norway Wins Golden Bear
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Loading... - Fiona Cullen
- 25 Feb 2025
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Norwegian director Dag Johan Haugerud has achieved significant acclaim with his film "Dreams (Sex Love)," which has won the prestigious Golden Bear at the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival. This coming-of-age story explores themes of queer love and self-discovery, focusing on a student who develops feelings for her charismatic teacher. The narrative unfolds as she reveals her written reflections on this love to her grandmother and mother, creating a poignant exploration of familial relationships and personal identity.
The film has been praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, featuring strong performances from its leading cast, which includes Ella Overbye, Selome Emnetu, Ane Dahl Torp, and Anne Marit Jacobsen. The jury commended the "immaculate" performances of the actors, highlighting the film's ability to resonate with audiences on a universal level.
Jury president Todd Haynes, known for his acclaimed works such as "Carol" and "I'm Not There," emphasized the film's unique perspective and its broad impact. He was joined by a diverse panel of jurors, including Chinese star Fan Bingbing, German filmmaker and actor Maria Schrader, Moroccan-French director Nabil Ayouch, German costume designer Bina Daigeler, Argentine filmmaker Rodrigo Moreno, and US critic and podcast host Amy Nicholson.
In addition to Haugerud's triumph, Latin American films also garnered high honors at the festival, showcasing the rich diversity of storytelling and cinematic talent present at this year's event. The recognition of "Dreams (Sex Love)" not only highlights the importance of queer narratives in cinema but also reinforces Norway's growing prominence in the international film landscape.
