Egil Håskjold Larsen Honoured At HotDocs 2017

On Friday, Norwegian director Egil Håskjold Larsen was presented with the Emerging International Filmmaker Award at HotDocs 2017 for 69 Minutes of 86 Days, which follows a three year old girl and her family’s journey from a Greek detention centre to Sweden.

On a path littered with lifejackets, in the middle of a crowd of people on the run, a 3-year-old girl slowly emerges. Full of a child’s energy and curiosity, she takes in her surroundings between hundreds of adult trouser legs.

She understands the gravity of the situation she and her family find themselves in, but filled with wonder she continues her journey. For every step she takes, she emanates a longed-for feeling of hope. To Lean, it’s a step closer to her grandfather.

HotDocs reviewer, Gabor Pertic, said: “In its quiet beauty, it unravels the physical and emotional challenges refugee families face every day. While Lean may not fully understand what she’s experiencing, her strength and optimism shine through, giving hope to those who need it the most.”

69 Minutes of 86 Days also earned a special mention in the NORDIC:DOX section of CPH:DOX in March.

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