The award was granted by the European Film Commissions Network (EUFCN) and announced during this year's Berlinale. This recognition underscores Frøya's growing position as a premier destination for film productions.
Five strong nominees vied in this year’s competition. The jury acknowledged Frøya not only for its spectacular natural scenery, as showcased in the series, but also for the systematic efforts made to attract film productions to the region. Since 2019, the island municipality and the Midgard Film Commission have collaborated to establish Frøya as a film-friendly location—an effort that has now borne fruit.
First time a Norwegian filming location has secured the top prize
Norwegian locations have been nominated before in the EUFCN Location Awards, established in 2017, however Frøya's win marks the first time a Norwegian filming location has secured the top prize. In 2023, an astounding three out of the five nominated locations were from Norway, demonstrating Norwegian locations appeal to the global film industry.
Frøya has increasingly become a favored location for film and television productions. Most recently, it served as a key setting for Billionaire Island, a Netflix series produced by Rubicon. Created by Anne Bjørnstad and Eilif Skodvin, the show effectively highlights Frøya’s unique coastal landscape, maritime culture, and industrial character, making it an authentic and visually compelling setting. Previous productions that have filmed on Frøya include Gold Run, Everybody Hates Johan, and Norwegian Dream.
The Judging Process
For the first time, EUFCN introduced two separate awards: an audience prize and a jury prize, adding further prestige to the competition. The jury, consisting of five internationally recognized film professionals, evaluated the nominees based on several criteria, including the impact of the location on the production, its capacity to accommodate film crews, and its overall film-friendliness.
Frøya emerged victorious in competition with these notable nominees:
- Mdina, Malta (Napoleon)
- Schönbrunn Palace, Austria (The Regime)
- Staatsoper Stuttgart, Germany (Cranko)
- Tajogaite Volcano, Spain (La Hojarasca)
A Proud Moment for Norway
The award was received with great enthusiasm by the Norwegian delegation present at Berlinale, including film commissioner Solveig Sigmond Ræstad from the Midgard Film Commission, Frøya’s Mayor Kristin Furunes Strømskag, Frøya’s film coordinator Mona Elisabeth Skarsvåg, and Billionaire Island producer Gudny Hummelvoll from Rubicon.
"Frøya stood out as a character in itself in the production. It wasn’t pretending to be anywhere else, and its rugged beauty, combined with the determination of its inhabitants, cast a spell on me.
The recognition of Frøya as a top filming destination further cements Norway's status as an attractive and versatile location for international productions. With its dramatic landscapes, well-developed infrastructure, and supportive film commissions, Norway continues to be a sought-after destination for filmmakers worldwide.
"We are incredibly proud to receive this award! It’s absolutely amazing that Frøya has been named the best film location in Europe for 2024 by a jury of industry experts. The competition was tough, and the criteria were strict. Winning this award is truly moving!