The Renaissance Prince
From age 15 to 20, William Heimdal’s journey unfolds as he chases artistic mastery guided by the great painters of the past. While his dedication earns him national acclaim in his native Norway, it also sets him apart—his peers are immersed in social media and technology, while he is consumed by the play of light and form. Despite his parents' concerns, he finds inspiration in the controversial, anti-modernist figurative painter Odd Nerdrum and leaves school at 16 to devote himself entirely to the traditions of the Renaissance and Baroque masters. As he matures, the film captures his artistic evolution and personal struggles, exploring whether an old soul can truly find a place in the modern world. Shot over a decade, the documentary offers an intimate portrait of a young painter navigating ambition, tradition, and the realities of life.
The film was one of four nominees for Best Documentary Film at Gullruten 2025—Norway’s “Golden Screen” awards, the national equivalent of the Emmys.
Director/s
Emily Louisa Millan Eide
Emily Louisa Millan Eide
EMILY LOUISA MILLAN EIDE is a Norwegian journalist and documentary filmmaker. The Renaissance Prince (Renessanseprinsen) is her first feature.
Expected Guests
EMILY LOUISA MILLAN EIDE: Director
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