Karin Franz Körlof Wins Startsladden!

Karin Franz Körlof has been awarded the prestigious Startsladden short film prize for her film A Hero’s Death. Valued at SEK 440,000 in film equipment, cash, and services, Göteborg Film Festival’s short film prize is one of the most significant of its kind in the world.

The film depicts an unusual spectacle organized to attract new members to the church: a young man is set to fall from the church tower. The young man already has a large following, and no one in the community wants to miss the fascinating event. Based on Pär Lagerkvist’s century-old novella, the story feels more relevant than ever.

The jury’s statement reads:

“The jury is impressed by a film that, through its form and storytelling, creates a uniquely cohesive work. Beginning with an absurd situation, it portrays human herd mentality with a light touch, where humor reveals the forces that can lead us to march toward disaster with open eyes, only to abruptly shift blame onto anyone but ourselves. This year’s Startsladden winner is: A Hero’s Death.”

The Startsladden jury this year included director Hanna Högstedt, producer Siri Hjorton Wagner, cinematographer Mika Aberra, and actor Ashkan Ghods.

The prize is sponsored by the Swedish Film Institute, SVT, Gothenburg Film Studios, Storyline, Scen & Film, Folkets Bio, Film i Väst, Independent Kostym, Shoot & Post, and Auditory.

Göteborg Film Festival is Sweden’s largest platform for Swedish short films, premiering over 50 new short films every year. The Startsladden-nominated films are among the festival’s most popular, with screenings selling out annually.