If you’re visiting the southern coast of Norway and want a glimpse into how Kristiansand empowers young voices, look no further than barnejuryen—literally “the children’s jury.” Most commonly associated with the city’s film and literature scenes, barnejuryen gives local schoolchildren the role of cultural critics, judging works created for young audiences and awarding coveted “children’s choice” prizes. It’s a charming, distinctly Norwegian tradition that blends education, creativity, and community, and it offers visitors a unique window into how Kristiansand nurtures culture from the ground up.
The best-known arena for barnejuryen is the Southern Norway International Film Festival (Den Internasjonale Filmfestivalen i Kristiansand), a long-running event that showcases films for children and youth every spring. Here, young jurors watch a curated slate of international films and deliberate—sometimes with remarkable seriousness—about storytelling, representation, and what makes a movie resonate. Their award has become a highlight for filmmakers, who value the honest feedback from the intended audience. If you’re in town during the festival, keep an eye on the program for jury screenings, Q&As, and the awards ceremony, which are often accessible or family-friendly.
Beyond film, you’ll find barnejuryen popping up in local literature and reading initiatives, where children evaluate new books for young readers and help select winners for regional prizes. This has roots in Kristiansand’s strong library culture and schools that encourage critical thinking from an early age. The Kristiansand Public Library (Kristiansand folkebibliotek) frequently collaborates on reading programs and events, and visiting families can drop by to browse English-language children’s books, attend story time, or ask about any ongoing jury activities. Even if a jury session isn’t public, exhibitions and book displays often reveal the titles under discussion.
Kristiansand’s cultural institutions embrace the spirit behind barnejuryen. The Kilden Performing Arts Centre (Kilden teater og konserthus), an eye-catching waterfront landmark, regularly hosts family performances and youth-oriented programming where audience feedback shapes future seasons. While not every show involves a formal children’s jury, the ethos is similar: kids are more than spectators—they’re participants. Visitors can tour the striking building, enjoy a performance if dates align, and often find seasonal festivals that include workshops or discussions tailored to young audiences.
Practical tips: the film festival typically runs in late spring, with program details published online several weeks in advance. Screenings and events may sell out, so consider booking tickets early, especially for weekend family showings. English-friendly programming is common, and many children’s films are either in English or subtitled. If you’re traveling with kids, ask local venues about special family passes, and check the Kristiansand Tourist Office (Kristiansand turistkontor) for current schedules, venues, and family activities tied to the festival or library events.
What makes barnejuryen relevant to visitors is its authenticity. It’s not a staged attraction; it’s a living practice that shows how Kristiansand trusts children to shape cultural life. Whether you attend a screening at the cinema, flip through shortlisted books at the library, or take in a family performance by the harbor, you’ll see that the city’s creative scene is built for all ages. For families, it’s a chance to engage kids in conversation about art and stories; for other travelers, it’s a reminder that the most insightful critics are sometimes the youngest ones in the room.