Göteborg Film Festival 2020 was just inagurarated. Actor Stellan Skarsgård received this years Nordic Honorary Dragon Award, Psychosis in Stockholm by Maria Bäck opened the festival and female filmmakers of all time were celebrated in a feminist manifestation. This year’s Mai Zetterling-grant was awarded to animator Niki Lindroth von Bahr.

Artistic leader Jonas Holmberg and CEO Mirja Wester held opening speeches as well as Minister of Culture and Democracy Amanda Lind (see her full speech here) During the inauguration of Göteborg Film Festival Psychos in Stockholm by Maria Bäck had its World Premiere as well as this year’s vignette film by Swedish artist Anna Odell. The vignette is part of her work The Examination made for, and exclusively shown at, Göteborg Film Festival 2020. This year’s Mai Zetterling-grant consisting of 200,000 Swedish Kronor was awarded to animator Niki Lindroth von Bahr, the director behind The Burden and Bath House.

A theme throughout the evening was this year’s focus on feminism and gender equality. Something that also showed in the evening’s speeches.
– In the international film industry, 2020 has been highlighted as a year of gender equality, and at every international film festival this year, the topic will be actively discussed. Many have said that it is impossible to make a gender balanced film program without losing quality. We actually used to say so ourselves before. But now we have shown that it is possible, if there is a will. No one can say anymore that it is impossible, said Jonas Holmberg, Artistic Director at Göteborg Film Festival.

The inauguration also included a feministic manifestation dedicated to 702 historical female filmmakers. Swedish directors like Stig Björkman, Rojda Sekersöz, Isabella Eklöf held short tributes to highlight the role of female filmmakers in the film world.

This year’s recipient of the Nordic Honorary Dragon Award was the actor Stellan Skarsgård. He received the award on stage and especially emphasized his love for Göteborg Film Festival.
– I´m of course extremely grateful for this. I´ve been to this film festival so many times and it took about 30 years to get this award. It´s a festival that is very close to me, it´s one of my favourite festivals in the world. Because of the no fuss, no nonsense, no glitter and absolute dedication to good cinema. And you always have a lot of fun here. And I´m incredibly grateful, thank you very much.
See his full speech here

See the whole Opening Ceremony here