EXCLUSIVE: Lars Jonsson, producer at Sweden’s Memfis Film, has been presented with the inaugural Golden Shrimp award by Swedish co-production hub Film i Vast.
Jonsson was presented with the award on Wednesday, November 26, during Film i Vast’s annual production company day.
The annual honorary award has been established by Film i Vast, and will be given to a person who has made significant contributions to film in the Vastra Gotaland region in western Sweden.
As well as a glass statuette in the shape of a shrimp created by artist Sofia Bergman and glassblower Micke Johansson, the recipient receives one kilogram of shrimp.
Jonsson founded Memfis Film in 1989. He has produced films with directors including Lukas Moodysson (We Are The Best!), Josef Fares and Maria Blom; and has been co-producer on titles including Lars Von Trier’s Dogville, Antichrist and Melancholia.
Memfis Film has worked with Film i Vast since the latter’s foundation in 1992, on films including House Of Angels, Show Me Love, Together and Jalla! Jalla!.
“Through smart creative collaborations, high cinematic ambitions, and a strong artistic drive, [Jonsson] has succeeded in reaching audiences both nationally and internationally,” said a statement from the Film i Vast jury. “This year’s award winner has helped create films with both edge and breadth—films that have moved, provoked, and entertained—and that have won prestigious awards as well as the love of broad audiences.
“This year’s recipient has been a decisive factor in the West Swedish film wave and in Film i Vast, from the very beginning up to now, and in shaping Västra Götaland into the strong film region it is today.”
“Awards are fun, they make people happy, and we should take every opportunity to celebrate film whenever we can!” said Kristina Borjeson, head of production at Film i Vast. “Lars Jönsson has done so much for the region, for Swedish cinema, and for Film i Vast— we could not imagine a more deserving recipient of The Golden Shrimp!”
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