Romantic comedy Buddy by newcomer Morten Tyldum has picked up the audience award at the Norwegian International Film Festival in Haugesund (Aug 17-24).

The Norwegian film, which also was an audience prizewinner in Karlovy Vary, also received the 'feelgood' award (Gledessprederprisen) from Norwegian exhibitors.

The exhibitor jury also gave a special mention to another well-received local comedy - Magnus Martens' United - as well as Nigel Cole's Calendar Girls.

The Norwegian Cinema Organisation also handed out a Golden Film Strip (Gullstrimmelen) to veteran producer Aage Aaberge for his work on children's films. Aaberge recently became the new head of production at the restructured Nordisk Film in Norway.

The Norwegian Film Critics' award went to Lars von Trier's Dogville with a special mention to Per Fly's Inheritance, which will have its international premiere in San Sebastian.

The Norwegian International Film Festival is non-competitive.

Buddy will be released in Norway by Sandrew Metromone on Aug 29.