Gunnar Strøm, born in 1955 in Trondheim, is Professor Emeritus at Volda University College and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Norwegian animation. Throughout his remarkable career, he has built Norwegian animation education from the ground up and helped establish Norway as a respected player on the international animation stage.

Education and Career

Strøm dedicated his professional life to Volda University College, where he worked as Associate Professor in Film and Television from 1984 to 2021. In 1992, he launched the animation program in Volda, which has blossomed into one of the Nordic region's most respected programs in animation and documentary film. His vision brought both documentary and animation study programs to life at the university.

A Global Ambassador for Norwegian Animation

Strøm's international work has been nothing short of transformative for Norwegian animation's global standing. He devoted twelve years to the Association Internationale de Film d'Animation (ASIFA) as a board member from 1988-2000, serving as Secretary General from 1991-1994 and Vice President from 1997-2000. He also founded and led ASIFA Nordic from 1993-1998, and contributed his expertise as a board member of the EU's CARTOON animation program.

Festival Founder and Cultural Builder

With the passion of a true cultural entrepreneur, Strøm was instrumental in launching what began as Oslo Animation Festival (originally called "Animerte Dager"), which has evolved into today's celebrated Fredrikstad Animation Festival. In a touching tribute to his contributions, the festival's main prize for the best Nordic-Baltic animation film was named "The Golden Gunnar" in his honor. His collaborative spirit shone again in 2007 when he co-founded the Animation Volda Festival alongside colleague Joakim Pedersen and animation students Ida Westvang and Sylvia B. Clausen.

Author and Researcher

Strøm's scholarly contributions are as impressive as they are extensive. He has authored numerous books and articles on animation, documentary film, and music videos. Even in retirement, his passion for the field continues to drive him—he's currently working on a book about Norwegian animation history set to be published in the fall of 2026. His notable publications include "Animation in Norway" (1987) and "Music Video" (1989), along with groundbreaking academic articles on animated documentary film—a field he pioneered when it was dismissed as a contradiction in terms during the 1990s.

Well-Deserved Recognition

In 2011, Strøm received the prestigious "Aamot Statuette" from Film & Kino in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Norwegian film. That same year, he was honored with the "Golden Gunnar Life Achievement Award" at the Fredrikstad Animation Festival for his lifetime of work in animation. It's no wonder he's affectionately known as "the godfather of Norwegian animation."

Community Engagement

Beyond his academic achievements, Strøm has been deeply committed to his local community in Volda, serving on the municipal council since 1995 and as vice-mayor from 2003-2007. He also contributed to his institution's governance as a board member at Volda University College from 1994-2000.

Through his unique blend of academic expertise, hands-on experience, and international connections, Gunnar Strøm has played a pivotal role in establishing Norway as a significant force in animation. His contributions span education and research, festival creation and cultural promotion, inspiring an entire generation of Norwegian animators along the way. His legacy is one of passion, dedication, and an unwavering belief in the power of animation to tell stories and connect cultures.

In the mid-1980s, Anita's mother Liv spotted an advertisement in the local newspaper about an animation festival in Drøbak and insisted that Anita should attend. She followed her mother's advice and went—where she met Gunnar Strøm, and the rest is history... Norwegian animation history.