Orenda wins winning Best Cinematography for "Orenda" at the Septimius Awards 2025 - Max Smeds (Accepted by Alma Pöysti)

On the evening of September 4, 2025, the historic Tuschinski Theater in Amsterdam served as the backdrop for a significant moment in Nordic cinema. During the annual Septimius Awards, cinematographer Max Smeds was honored with the award for Best Cinematography for his exceptional work on the film "Orenda." The ceremony, which has become a focal point for international independent filmmaking, gathered industry leaders and storytellers to celebrate diverse perspectives from across the globe.

A Masterpiece of Light and Shadow

"Orenda," directed by the acclaimed Finnish filmmaker Pirjo Honkasalo, is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of grief, faith, and the invisible forces that bind human souls. Set against the rugged, ethereal landscape of the Finnish archipelago, the film follows the intersection of two strong-willed women: Nora, a grieving opera singer, and Natalia, a reclusive priest.

Smeds’ cinematography has been widely recognized as a central pillar of the film’s narrative power. His ability to capture the stark, atmospheric beauty of the island environment provides more than just a setting; it creates a visual language for the characters' internal turmoil. The lens glides over rocky shores and through the shifting light of the Baltic sea, mirroring the complex emotional journey of the protagonists. By blending naturalism with a poetic, almost spiritual visual depth, Smeds helped elevate "Orenda" into a work that critics have compared to the legendary modernist traditions of Bergman and Tarkovsky.

Acceptance on a Grand Stage

The Septimius Awards are renowned for their continental approach to recognition, but the technical categories like Best Cinematography remain among the most competitive. While Max Smeds was the recipient of the honor, the award was accepted on stage by Alma Pöysti, the film's lead actress. Pöysti, who also celebrated a personal victory that evening by winning Best European Actress, stepped forward to represent the production team and the film’s producers, Misha Jaari and Mark Lwoff of the production company Bufo.

The presence of Pöysti on the Tuschinski stage underscored the deep collaborative spirit behind "Orenda." Her performance as Nora is inextricably linked to Smeds’ visual compositions, as the cinematography often focuses on the intimate nuances of her expressions against the vastness of the island. In accepting the trophy on behalf of the producers and Smeds, she highlighted the collective effort required to bring such an ambitious and philosophically rich story to the screen.

The Significance of the Septimius Awards

The 2025 edition of the Septimius Awards further solidified the event's reputation as a bridge between Hollywood and the global independent scene. Held over two days at the Tuschinski Theater—one of the world's most stunning examples of Art Deco architecture—the event featured panel discussions on diversity and the future of storytelling.

The recognition of "Orenda" in multiple categories reflects the rising international profile of Finnish cinema. The film, a co-production between Finland, Estonia, and Sweden, utilizes a multi-layered script by Pirkko Saisio and a rich sonic landscape, but it is the visual mastery of Smeds that often leaves the most lasting impression on the viewer. His win in Amsterdam serves as a testament to the importance of cinematography in conveying themes of grace and austerity without the need for heavy dialogue.

A Legacy of Excellence

For Max Smeds, this accolade at the Septimius Awards marks a high point in a career characterized by a keen eye for texture and mood. His work on "Orenda" successfully translates the concept of the film's title—an invisible life force inhabiting all things—into a tangible visual experience. Whether capturing the warmth of a sunset or the cold, grey isolation of a lighthouse island, his imagery remains the heartbeat of the film.

As "Orenda" continues its journey through the international festival circuit, the honors received in Amsterdam will undoubtedly bring more attention to this meditative piece of art. The evening was not just a win for Smeds and the production team, but a celebration of the enduring power of visual storytelling to transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries.

Would you like me to find more details about the other films produced by Bufo or more information about Pirjo Honkasalo’s filmography?