Becoming Astrid to screen at Berlinale Special Gala

When Astrid Lindgren was quite young, an event – part miracle, part misfortune – occurred which affected her on a fundamental level, shaping the rest of her life. This incident transformed her into one of the most innovative women of our time, a storyteller loved the world over. The film is based upon the story of young Astrid, who – despite the social and religious expectations of her time – chose to break with the norms and follow her heart.

The leading role of Astrid is played by Alba August, who – as previously announced – has also been nominated as a European Shooting Star at the festival. August’s fellow actors in the film include Trine Dyrholm, Magnus Krepper and Maria Bonnevie.

Becoming Astrid is directed by Pernille Fischer Christensen (A Soap, A Family) and produced by Anna Anthony and Maria Dahlin for Avanti Film, along with Lars G. Lindström for Nordisk Film Production Sweden, with funding from the Swedish Film Institute’s feature-film commissioner Yaba Holst. Pernille Fischer Christensen and Kim Fupz Aakeson (A Soap, In Your Hands) co-wrote the script.

The film has its Swedish premiere in autumn 2018, with Nordisk Film handling Swedish distribution. The international sales agent is TrustNordisk.

Publicist for the film in Berlin (international press): Charles McDonald and Matthew Sauders
+44 7785 246 377
charles@charlesmcdonald.co.uk

Several Swedish co-productions have also been added to the festival’s roster: Los Bando by Christian Lo (Norway/Sweden) will screen in the Generation Kplus section, while short film Rå by Sophia Bösch (Germany/Sweden) will screen in Perspektive Deutsches Kino.

Read more about the Berlin International Film Festival here.

For questions about festival screenings, please contact the International Department:
Petter Mattsson, Festival Manager, petter.mattsson@filminstitutet.se
Theo Tsappos, Festival Manager, theo.tsappos@filminstitutet.se