“Barry & Me” by Markus Welter won two awards at the 2026 Children’s Film Festival. PHOTO: BFF
The Swiss film “Barry & Me” by Markus Welter won both the ECFA Award for Best Feature Film and the Audience Award at this year’s festival. “Alfahunn” by screenwriter Fride Mork won this year’s pitching competition and receives NOK 100,000 in development funding, while “Nora’s Ark” by Endre Lund Eriksen and Isak Gjertsen won Best Norwegian Short Film and is now shortlisted for the Amanda Awards. See pictures of some of the winners further down in the article.
- We have screened 94 films from 32 countries this year, with many strong contenders in the competition programs. It is now a great pleasure to present so many worthy winners, says festival director Cathrine Sordal.
The 29th edition of the Kristiansand International Children’s Film Festival has awarded a total of 10 film prizes this year.
Here are all the winners:
Best International Feature Film was awarded by the festival’s professional jury and includes NOK 50,000, which goes to the distributor that imports and releases the film in Norwegian cinemas.
- Winner: The Romanian film “Atlas of the Universe” by Paul Negoescu
Jury statement:
The jury wishes to highlight an original film that impressively takes a child’s reality seriously. With a clear and strongly grounded lead role, we meet a boy with a distinct need – a project he never gives up on, no matter the obstacles. Over the course of a long day and night, we follow his determination, portrayed with rare sensitivity and credibility.
The lead performance is particularly remarkable, delivered with a presence and authenticity that carries the film from beginning to end.
The film conveys how seemingly small things can hold great significance in a child’s world, expressed through poetic storytelling and a beautiful, realistic cinematic language. It creates images and moods that stay with us long after the credits roll.
Best Norwegian Short Film was awarded by the Children’s Film Festival’s professional jury. The film is also shortlisted for the Amanda Awards.
The winner of Best Norwegian Short Film is:
- “Nora’s Ark” by Endre Lund Eriksen and Isak Gjertsen.
Jury statement:
This year’s best Norwegian short stands out with a clear and proactive main character who drives the story forward with great courage, determination, and curiosity. The narrative is easy to follow, with a clear goal and engaging development for its target audience.
The film features a distinctive visual style, with strong art direction and a clear aesthetic. The universe feels rich and detailed, with a handcrafted quality in both characters and environments that gives the film a unique identity.
The story offers an inventive twist on a familiar tale, combining suspense, warmth, and humor with a clear message about courage, friendship, and responsibility.
This is a well-crafted animated film that both entertains and provokes thought.
- Children’s Film Festival & Mediefondet Zefyr Pitch Award
Awarded by a dedicated pitch jury. The NOK 100,000 prize is intended for producing a pilot.
Winner: “Alfahunn” by screenwriter Fride Mork
Jury statement:
Pitching an idea is a vulnerable process. Thank you to all pitchers for sharing your stories, thoughts and feelings with us.
The jury would like to award an honorable mention: It goes to ILDSJEL.
This year's winner is ballsy and energetic. It conveys its story from the characters' eye level, while also shaking up our perception of what it means to be popular. We are effectively drawn into the young protagonists' driving forces and dreams. With rawness and tenderness, the winning pitch tells a multifaceted story where much is at stake, keeping the narrative in a feisty tone. At the center of it all: A POCKETPUSSY EXERCISE KIT FOR LESBIAN BEGINNERS.
This year's winner is:
- "Alfahunn", written by Fride Mork.
Best European Feature Film for Children was awarded by the ECFA jury (European Children's Film Association). The winning film will be nominated to take part in the selection of the year’s best feature film for children in Europe at the prestigious film festival in Berlin.
The winner of the ECFA Award for Best European Feature Film for Children is:
- The Swiss film “Barry & Me” by Markus Welter.
Jury statement:
This timeless story of empathy and kindness captivates audiences with relatable characters, engaging storytelling and, above all, a lovable and highly skilled rescue dog. With confident pacing and editing, it takes time to establish 18th-century Switzerland, where our young protagonist Georg tries to reunite with his older brother while forming both human and animal friendships along the way.
With stunning cinematography, beautifully shot on location, and strong performances, we are fully immersed in the journey. Combined with convincing costumes and production design, the high level of craftsmanship makes this historical film stand out in a modern film landscape dominated by CGI.
Beyond all these qualities, it is the bond between Barry and Georg that truly moves us. In challenging times like these, we need altruism and empathy in our fictional characters as guiding examples for how we meet both people and animals in real life.
Best European Short Film for Children was awarded by the ECFA jury (European Children's Film Association). The winning film will be nominated to take part in the selection of the year’s best short film for children in Europe at the prestigious film festival in Berlin.
The winner Best European Short Film for Children is:
- The French film “The Legend of the Hummingbird” by Morgan Devos
Jury statement:
Based on a folktale passed down among Indigenous peoples in South America, this film tells a beautiful story about the importance of being present and contributing to our community, regardless of power, status or rank.
A universal story, conveyed simply and truthfully about the threats facing our environment, without the use of words. Elegantly expressed through a minimalist yet striking aesthetic.
Against the backdrop of a raging forest fire, the hummingbird’s small drop of water may seem insignificant. Yet presence outweighs power. The hummingbird acts with quiet integrity. It reminds us that environmental responsibility is not about rank, it is about refusing to be a bystander. We all carry a drop; the forest survives when we all choose to act.
Children’s Jury Award – Best International Feature Film
Awarded by a local jury from 7th grade at Kristiansand International School
- Winner: The German film “The Secret Floor” by Norbert Lechner
Jury statement:
Children’s Jury Award – Best International Short Film
- Winner: The French film “The Legend of the Hummingbird” by Morgan Devos.
Jury statement:
Youth Jury Award – Best Feature Film
Awarded by a local youth jury from Tangen Upper Secondary School
- Winner: The French film “Wild Foxes” by Valéry Carnoy
Jury statement:
Youth Jury Award – Best Short Film
- Winner: The Canadian film “That’s My Sister” by Zoé Pelchat.
Jury statement:
Audience Award
Voted by audiences throughout the festival week. Presented by Kristiansand Zoo.
- Winner: “Barry & Me” by Markus Welter.