Ånund Austenå, born in 1964, is a Norwegian documentary filmmaker and film administrator who currently leads Viken Film Center, Norway's largest regional film center. With over 20 years of experience in documentary film and film production, he has established himself as an important voice in Norwegian film policy and cultural development.

Education and Professional Background

Austenå holds a Master's degree in Visual Anthropology from the University of Manchester, an education that has significantly influenced his approach to documentary filmmaking. Visual anthropology combines academic research with visual communication, which clearly shapes his work as both filmmaker and cultural administrator.

Film Career

As a director and producer, Austenå has created several documentary films that have been broadcast on Norwegian television and screened at film festivals. His most notable works include:

• "Our Daily Bread" (Vårt Daglige Brød, 2013) - A documentary film following shopkeeper Erland Vibe in Holmsbu in his struggle to keep the town's only local store open year-round. The film examines the challenges small communities face when competition from larger discount stores threatens local businesses. The documentary was broadcast on NRK and demonstrates Austenå's ability to capture everyday yet significant social issues.

• "Odd's Odds" (2009) - A documentary short film that showcases Austenå's interest in portraying individuals and their stories.

• "Mother's Little Ole" (Mors lille Ole, 2003) - A short film where Austenå served as both screenwriter and producer, demonstrating his broad competence in film production.

  
  

Affiliation with Mediefabrikken

Since 2000, Austenå has been affiliated with Mediefabrikken in Akershus, where he has worked with mentoring, courses, and workshops. This work has provided him with extensive experience in talent development and competence building within the film industry, expertise that has proven valuable in his later role as film center director.

Director of Viken Film Center

In November 2018, Austenå assumed the position of managing director of Viken Film Center, Norway's largest regional film center. The film center covers Viken county and Oslo, encompassing more than half of the country's population. Under his leadership, the film center works with:

• Financing development and production of short films, documentaries, and games

• Development programs, workshops, and seminars for the professional industry

• Talent development and competence building in the region

• Annual budget of approximately 10 million NOK

  
  

Social Engagement and Film Policy

Austenå is an active voice in Norwegian film policy and has particularly engaged in strengthening regional film communities. He believes that the major structural changes in the Viken region provide opportunities to strengthen "the most important cultural expression of our time: moving images and interactive experiences."

In 2016, he was instrumental in the process of including Oslo as part of Viken Film Center, which significantly strengthened the film center and provided access to support schemes for many more filmmakers in the capital region.

Philosophy and Vision

Austenå's work is characterized by a strong belief that regional narratives and talents require political and administrative support to flourish. He views the film center as an important actor in bringing forth "new voices and narratives" and developing "viable new production environments" in the region.

His background in visual anthropology is evident in his interest in documenting and communicating everyday stories and social challenges, making him a broad cultural communicator beyond pure film administration.

Through his combination of practical film experience, academic background, and administrative leadership, Ånund Austenå has established himself as an important figure in Norwegian film culture, particularly within regional film development and talent cultivation.