Eva Norvind facts for kids

Eva Norvind (born Eva Johanne Chegodayeva Sakonsky; May 7, 1944 – May 14, 2006) was a talented woman from Norway who became a Mexican actress, writer, and filmmaker. She was known for her work in movies and for producing documentaries.

Early Life and Family

Eva Norvind was born in Trondheim, Norway. Her father was Paul Vernstad, a Russian prince. Her mother was Johanna Kajanus, a Finnish sculptor. Johanna Kajanus won a bronze medal for her art in 1937.

When Eva was 15 years old, she moved to France with her mother and brother. This was an important step in her life's journey.

Starting Her Career

The year after moving to France, Eva won second prize in a beauty contest. This contest was held at the Cannes Film Festival. Winning helped her get a small part in a movie called Saint Tropez Blues.

Later, she joined the famous Folies Bergère show. This is when she started using the stage name Eva Norvind. She also acted in a play called A School for Scandal at the Comédie-Française.

Moving to North America

In 1962, Eva Norvind moved to Canada. After that, she moved to New York City in the United States. She finished high school there in 1964.

Then, she moved to Mexico City to learn Spanish. While in Mexico, she was asked to become an actress. She acted in seven films in Mexico. Her last film there was Báñame mi amor in 1968.

Eva also performed in two plays. These were En el closet, no and The Mandrake by Machiavelli.

Working Behind the Scenes

In 1968, Eva Norvind started a new path. She became a photographer, taking pictures for fashion and celebrity news. She traveled to Paris and New York City for her work.

She also wrote articles about films. Eva helped share Mexican films with countries in Scandinavia. She also helped bring Scandinavian films to Mexico.

Later Studies and Filmmaking

In 1970, Eva Norvind had her daughter, Nailea Norvind, in Mexico City. Later, in 1980, Eva returned to New York City. She went to New York University (NYU) to study film. She earned her Bachelor in Fine Arts degree in 1982.

Eva also gave talks around the world. She spoke to health experts and general audiences. In 1996, she earned her master's degree from NYU. A year later, a movie about her life was made. It was called Didn't Do It For Love by Monika Treut. Eva appeared in this film.

Eva also studied Forensic Psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. In 2003, she helped with the film Distress.

Her Final Project

Eva Norvind passed away on May 14, 2006, in Oaxaca, Mexico. At the time of her death, she was working on a special project. She was writing, directing, and producing a documentary.

The documentary was about a Mexican actor and musician named José Flores. He had severe disabilities. The film was called Born Without.

Awards for Born Without

After Eva's death, Born Without won several awards.

• In March 2007, it won Best International Documentary at the Festival Internacional de Cine Contemporaneo de la Ciudad De Mexico (FICCO).
• In 2008, it won Best Documentary Feature at the Vancouver International Film Festival.
• In 2009, it won the Audience Award for Best International Feature at the LA Film Festival.

Plays She Performed In

• The Mandrake
• En el Closet, no

Films She Acted In

• Saint Tropez Blues (1961) as a German Tourist
• Pacto de sangre (1966) as Helen
• Esta noche no (1966) as Blond in Acapulco
• Juan Pistolas (1966)
• Nuestros buenos vecinos de Yucatán (1967)
• Santo el Enmascarado de Plata vs. la invasión de los marcianos (1967) as Selene
• Don Juan 67 (1967) as Helga
• Un yucateco honoris causa (1967)
• Báñame mi amor (1968) as Priestess
• The City (2007) as herself