Josef Fares' Game Company Hazelight Studios Wins Swedish Export Award

The Swedish government has awarded its export prize for the cultural and creative industries to Hazelight Studios, the video game company founded by Josef Fares. The studio was honored for its ability to merge "artistic height with global reach," a testament to the success of its critically acclaimed titles.

Hazelight Studios is known for games such as "It Takes Two," which garnered multiple awards, and "Split Fiction." Josef Fares, who initially gained recognition as a film director with hits like "Jalla! Jalla!" and "Kopps," established Hazelight in 2014. He expressed his passion for his work, stating, "It started as a passion project. I am very driven, I love what I do so incredibly much."

The export prize aims to recognize contributions to Swedish exports and the promotion of Sweden as an innovative and creative country. This year, the award includes a diploma and a vase designed by glass artist Hanna Hansdotter, in addition to the honor.

Other notable nominees for the export prize included actor and film director Josephine Bornebusch, furniture company Green Furniture Concept, and designer Gustaf Westman. The award for newcomer of the year was presented to the fashion brand Hodakova, founded by Ellen Hodakova Larsson.