EUFCN LOCATION AWARD
WINNER of EUFCN JURY LOCATION AWARD
FRØYA BEST FILM LOCATION IN EUROPE
The breathtaking island community of Frøya has been awarded the prestigious title of Best European Filming Location of 2024.
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.
🌟"Have you ever wondered what film friendliness looks like? Film friendliness never walks the red carpet.”🌟
🌟“We are incredibly proud to receive this award. It’s unbelievable that Frøya has been named the most attractive filming location in Europe. The criteria were strict, and we competed against very strong contenders. Winning the Location Award is truly touching” 🌟
Solveig Sigmond Ræstad, Film commissioner at Midgard
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🌟 “What is special is how quickly everything has happened. Since the Midgard Film Commission visited us on Frøya for the first time and informed us about the benefits of film production in 2019. We followed up and, in a short time, film productions came as thick as beads on a string”
Mona Elisabeth Skarsvåg, film coordinator on Frøya.
🌟 “This victory belongs to everyone on Frøya who has worked hard to make our island an attractive place for filmmakers from all over the world. It also highlights the importance of establishing an improved film incentive scheme”
Kristin Strømskag, Mayor of Frøya.
Frøya Island in Trøndelag, Norway, shines in Netflix’s “Billionaire Island,” where salmon farm rivalry runs deeper than the Norwegian Sea.
This comedy-drama, from the creators of Netflix’s first TV series Lilyhammer, explores the crazy but still down to earth battles within Norway’s lucrative salmon farm industry.
Frøya’s raw and rugged coastline, windswept cliffs, and serene bays are more than just a beautiful backdrop. They reflect the humor and drama of two families fighting for control of a salmon empire. The island’s dramatic landscapes set the tone and shape the story, making Frøya feel like a character in its own right. This connection between setting and story has boosted Frøya’s reputation as a top filming destination.
Since 2020, Frøya's policymakers have strategically focused on making the island more film-friendly, successfully attracting several major productions. This effort has also earned locals in Frøya the prestigious “ÅrneSæ” film-friendliness award twice, most recently for its role in Billionaire Island. The award recognises the island’s commitment to filmmakers, supported by a community that eagerly opens homes, shares expertise, and steps in as extras.
Frøya welcomes filmmakers and visitors to experience its unique blend of raw nature, local charm and collaborative spirit.
Photos by Netflix, Fotoknoff, Hotel Frøya and Bruno Fortin
Facts about the location award
The EUFCN Location Award is the annual prize for European filming locations, organized by EUFCN.
Each year, EUFCN members have the opportunity to submit one location from a film or a TV series shot in their country and released that particular year. In 2020 EUFCN introduces the Location Award Jury, a five-member jury of distinguished professionals that selects the five locations competing for the Award.
The general public has then the chance to vote for their favourite location from the shortlist. One lucky winner is picked among the voters and wins a trip to the winning location.