I entered the Inntravel Short Film Awards and...
This is Gunhild Enger and in 2013 she entered her film Premature into the Inntravel Short Film Awards - and won!
If you're thinking of submitting your film or moving image work, read on for inspiration...
BF: Can you describe your early relationship with film, were you always destined for the career you now have or did your interest evolve over time?
GE: I would say that I have worked quite determinedly towards a career in the production of film since I was about 19 years old. Before that I wanted to be an actress. The interesting fact is that it is only now, at the age of 34, I can say that I actually have some sort of career in the industry.
Having said that it is also very easy to lose momentum when you work as a director. There is always someone new, someone interesting - so the hard work never really stops. I suppose I always felt a need to express myself and my point of view. I don't think I would have kept on if it had not been for the 'need'. Many times I wonder how life would be with a 'normal' or 'stable' job, but right now I am doing exactly what I want and love to do.
BF: Can you tell us a little about the film you submitted to the Inntravel Short Film Award in 2013 and how it came about?
GE: The idea came about when my brother and his partner, were having their first child. We were all waiting for the arrival of the little one, and I suppose my parents was more excited that I really was. At the same time my mum was also very realistic about it, I remember that she said, quite a few month into the pregnancy, that we all should count our blessings and hold our horses - "things" might still happenâŠ
I suppose that there is nothing wrong with that really, but it struck me that it's a bit sad to have to take all these concerns and reservations into consideration, instead of just enjoying it all. This is also a typically Norwegian trait. We can be quite skeptical, almost too realistic, before we let our emotions carry us away.
BF: How did you feel when you found out youâd won the inaugural Short Film Award from Inntravel & Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival?
GE: I was very happy of course. It is so nice, and such an honour, to win in an English speaking country. The language is so important in this film, and I am also really proud that the thematic seemed to translate so well.
BF: What projects have you been working on since, what project did the cash prize go towards?
GE: I have been working on both a new short film, and a feature film idea, so I would say that the money has helped both these projects grow. The new short film is actually also going to be in English, and I am really looking forward to that.
BF: Where is your award displayed in your home?
GE: It is not at home, but sitting on a shelf over my desk at my office. This way I can be reminded of my achievements, it's also a pick-me-up if I feel I'm at a dead-end creatively or not making progress as I'd like.
If you're inspired by Gunhild's story, you can still enter your short film or moving image work over on our website - we close for submissions in JUST THREE DAYS!