Amanda Kernell’s "Brace Your Heart" Wins the Platform Special Jury Award at the Toronto International Film Festival

“Brace Your Heart” (original title "Garrat du Váimmu") had its world premiere on September 15 in the Platform competition section at the Toronto International Film Festival. On Sunday, the film was honoured with the Platform Special Jury Award.

The jury statement from the jury, comprising directors Pablo Trapero, Amma Asante and Sylvia Chang, producer Luc Déry, and industry executive Albert Lee, read: “We would like to recognize "Brace Your Heart" with an Honourable Mention. For how its apparent simplicity reflects the complex nature of the world today, its powerful central performance and beautiful visual journey.”

Synopsis

In a remote Sámi village high in the mountains, 20-year-old Ejva inherits her late father's reindeer herd. As she struggles to keep the herd thriving, local leader Heaika develops romantic feelings for her, and though hesitant, she feels compelled to accept. But everything changes when Nejla, Heaika’s cousin, arrives, and Ejva discovers true love for the first time. Betrayed and jealous, Heaika reacts harshly, leaving Ejva with a condition that makes her hands shake uncontrollably, threatening her ability to care for the herd. Now, Ejva must find a way to reclaim control over her life and her future.

Production Facts

Original title: Garrat du Váimmu
Director & Script Writer: Amanda Kernell
Producer: Eva Åkergren

Produced by Nordisk Film Production in co-production with Forest People, Compass Films, Invictus, Nordisk Film Production Denmark, Filmpool Nord, SVT and Film i Väst and supported by The Swedish Film Institute, The Danish Film Institute, The International Sámi Film Institute, Nordisk Film & TV Fund, Bulgarian National Film Center, Icelandic Film Centre, Eurimages and Arktisk Film Norge. Local distribution by Nordisk Film. International sales handled by TrustNordisk.

"Gör hjärtat hårt" distributeras av Nordisk film och får svensk biopremiär i mars 2027.

Brace Your Heart

Amanda Kernell

Top image: Amanda Kernell and the team behind "Brace Your Heart" on the red carpet ahead of the film’s world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Photo: Ellen Hoving.