Movies by Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel

Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel is a rising star in contemporary Norwegian cinema, known for his poignant character studies and quietly powerful visual style. Rather than flashy camerawork or high-concept narratives, Tøndel's films find drama and profundity in the small, everyday moments that shape his characters' lives. This contemplative approach is on full display in Tøndel's breakout feature, 2015's Bird Hearts. Centered on a pair of aging siblings grappling with loss and regret, the film unfolds at a deliberate pace, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the siblings' emotional landscapes. Tøndel's camera lingers on their weathered faces, capturing the unspoken currents of their relationship with a gentle, empathetic touch. Building on this early success, Tøndel continued to hone his craft with 2017's Fanny, a delicately observed family drama that earned him critical acclaim both at home and on the international festival circuit. And in 2024, he achieved a major career milestone when his latest film, the intimate character study Armand, was awarded the prestigious Caméra d'Or for best first feature at the Cannes Film Festival. Through his sensitive, deeply humanistic approach to storytelling, Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel has firmly established himself as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary Norwegian cinema.