Never Alone wins winning Best Screenplay at the Septimius Awards 2025 - Klaus Härö & Jimmy Karlsson

On 4 September 2025, the historic Tuschinski Theater in Amsterdam served as the backdrop for a significant moment in Nordic cinema. During the annual Septimius Awards, Klaus Härö and Jimmy Karlsson were honored with the prestigious Best Screenplay award for their work on the historical drama "Never Alone." The evening celebrated international excellence in storytelling, with the Finnish-led production emerging as a standout among a highly competitive field of global nominees.

A Night of Recognition in Amsterdam

The Septimius Awards have established a reputation for prioritizing diversity and cross-cultural narratives, making the Tuschinski Theater—an architectural gem of Art Deco and Gothic styles—the perfect venue for such an event. As industry professionals gathered in the heart of the Netherlands, the ceremony highlighted films that bridge the gap between historical education and emotional resonance.

"Never Alone," known in its native Finnish as "Ei koskaan yksin," represents a monumental effort to document a harrowing and often overlooked chapter of World War II history. The screenplay, meticulously crafted by director Klaus Härö and his longtime collaborator Jimmy Karlsson, delves into the moral complexities of 1940s Helsinki. The narrative follows the true story of Abraham Stiller, a Jewish businessman and community leader who fought a desperate bureaucratic and humanitarian battle to prevent the Finnish government from handing over Jewish refugees to the Gestapo.

The Writers and Their Vision

Klaus Härö is no stranger to international acclaim, having previously garnered attention for works like "The Fencer" and "My Sailor, My Love." In "Never Alone," his partnership with Jimmy Karlsson reached a new level of maturity. The script was praised by the Septimius jury for its ability to balance the grand scale of geopolitical conflict with the intimate, agonizing decisions of an individual standing against the tide of systemic injustice.

The screenplay was based on the book "Setä Stiller" by Rony Smolar. Transforming this historical account into a compelling cinematic experience required a delicate touch to ensure the gravity of the Holocaust was treated with the necessary respect while maintaining the tension of a political thriller. The writers succeeded in portraying Finland not as a monolith, but as a nation under immense pressure, caught in an uneasy alliance and struggling with its own internal conscience.

Acceptance on Behalf of the Creators

While the writers were the architects of the story, the award was accepted on stage by the film's producer, Ilkka Matila. As the founder of Matila Röhr Productions, Matila has been a driving force in bringing high-caliber Nordic stories to the global stage. His presence at the Tuschinski Theater underscored the collaborative nature of the project, which involved co-productions across Finland, Estonia, Austria, Germany, and Sweden.

Matila’s acceptance of the Best Screenplay trophy was a symbolic moment for the entire production team. He represented the bridge between the written word and the finished film, acknowledging the years of research and production effort required to bring Stiller’s story to life. The producer’s involvement was instrumental in securing the €4.1 million budget and coordinating the complex historical recreation that allowed the screenplay to shine.

The Impact of "Never Alone"

The victory at the Septimius Awards comes at a time when "Never Alone" is making a significant impact on the international festival circuit. The film has been noted for its powerful performances, particularly by Ville Virtanen in the lead role, but the Best Screenplay win specifically validates the structural and thematic depth of the project. By focusing on the administrative and social hurdles faced by Stiller, the script avoids the tropes of a traditional war movie, instead offering a nuanced look at bravery within a bureaucracy.

The 2025 Septimius Awards featured a wide array of talent, including lifetime achievement honors for figures such as Kevin Spacey and Shohreh Aghdashloo. Within this star-studded environment, the recognition of a Finnish historical drama for its writing demonstrates the universal appeal of stories centered on human rights and individual courage.

The win for Klaus Härö and Jimmy Karlsson serves as a testament to the power of historical memory. As the lights dimmed in Amsterdam, the success of "Never Alone" ensured that the legacy of Abraham Stiller and the refugees he sought to save would continue to reach new audiences far beyond the borders of Finland.

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