The Church of Sweden film award goes to Mecenaten

24.1.2026 17:27:58 | Church of Sweden | Press release

In Mecenaten, a cleaner (Carla Sehn) wants something more – and bigger – out of life. When the opportunity arises, she takes the chance to pretend to be a wealthy and influential art patron. Two young art students are impressed. This marks the start of an escalating chain of events with far-reaching consequences. Mecenaten is the feature film debut of director Julia Thelin.

“A very skilfully made film, based on the need of every human being to be seen and validated,” says Mikael Ringlander, chairman of the jury for the Church of Sweden film award.  “The direction, photography and actors are all impressive. The film keeps you on tenterhooks throughout.”

“A captivating story and expert acting that allows the characters’ inner selves to shine through,” says jury member and award presenter Ingrid Elam.

The jury’s motivation
“A skilfully woven tale of a woman made invisible who seizes the opportunity for change and self-actualisation. A chamber play blending power, status and art in a mesmerising and dangerous game. A film with striking direction, photography and acting.”

The jury for the Church of Sweden film award 2026
Ingrid Elam, Professor Emerita of Literary Composition and Dean of the Artistic Faculty at the University of Gothenburg from 2012–2018. Former head of culture at Swedish daily newspapers Göteborgs-Posten and Dagens Nyheter. Now working as a writer and critic.

Martin Ersgård, freelance line producer in the film and television industry since the 1970s. Long-time project manager in public service broadcaster SVT’s drama section and head of the producer programme at the Norwegian Film School. His productions include Jan Troell’s Maria Larssons eviga ögonblick (Everlasting Moments) and Wallander films with Rolf Lassgård, Christer Henriksson and Kenneth Branagh. His most recent production was the award-winning Makta (Power Play) for the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK).

Mikael Ringlander, chairman of the jury. Provost and director of the Church of Sweden’s programme at the Gothenburg Film Festival. Programme manager for the Church of Sweden’s major cultural initiative Se människan. Received the Gothenburg association of parishes’ culture scholarship and the award for Innovator of the Year in the Church of Sweden in 2015, as well as the Gothenburg Book Fair’s education award in 2024.

The Church of Sweden film award
The Church of Sweden film award has been awarded since 2002. The prize is SEK 50 000 and the Angelos statuette, created by Erland Forsberg.

Read more about the Church of Sweden film award and previous winners (swedish).

The Gothenburg Film Festival runs from 23 January to 1 February.