Swedish films at festivals

Swedish films in Cannes (May 13 – 24) 

© Yigit Eken

World Premiere in Competition – Eagles of the Republic 

Egypt's most beloved actor, George Fahmy, is pressured into playing the lead role in a film commissioned by the highest authority. He reluctantly accepts the role and is thrown headfirst into the inner circles of power. Like a moth drawn to a flame, he begins an affair with the mysterious wife of the general overseeing the film.

Directed by Tarik Saleh
Produced by Linus Stöhr Torell / Unlimited Stories, Linda Mutawi, Johan Lindström / Apparaten, and Alexandre Mallet Guy / Memento Production, with support from the Swedish Film Institute. 
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© Jan Delden / TT

World Premiere in Cannes Classics – Beeing Bo Widerberg

Being Bo Widerberg tells the story of the acclaimed and eccentric director who, in the shadow of Ingmar Bergman, became Sweden’s most influential filmmaker. The film depicts Widerberg during the progressive early 1960s, from his beginnings as an aspiring author and a harsh critic in working-class Malmo to his prime as a celebrated film auteur in Stockholm, leading to adventures in Cannes and New York. The film also illustrates the consequences of Bo Widerberg’s career – or rather his passionate pursuit of life – on his colleagues, his family, and himself.

Directed by Jon Asp and Mattias Nohrborg
Produced by Mattias Nohrborg / B-Reel Films, with support from The Swedish Film Institute.

Swedish Co-Productions 

World Premiere in Cannes Premiere – The Love that Remains (IS, SE, DK, FR)

The Love That Remains tenderly captures a year in the life of a family as parents navigate their separation. Through both playful and heartfelt moments, the film portrays the bittersweet essence of faded love and shared memories amidst the changing seasons.

Directed by Hlynur Pálmason
Swedish co-producers Nima Yousefi / HOBAB and Film i Väst, with support from the Swedish Film Institute.
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© Kasper Tuxen

World Premiere in Competition – Sentimental Value (NO, SE, DK, DE, FR)

The film follows Nora (Renate Reinsve) and her sister Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas) when their eccentric and charismatic father Gustav suddenly appears after a long absence. Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård) was once a renowned film director and now offers Nora the lead role in his new film, but working with her father is the last thing Nora can imagine.

Directed by Joachim Trier
Swedish co-producers Lizette Jonjic / Zentropa Sweden & Film i Väst, with support from the Swedish Film Institute.
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© Ocúltimo / Juan Sarmiento G

World Premiere in Un Certain Regard – A Poet (CO, SE, DE)

Oscar Restrepo's obsession with poetry has brought him no glory. Aging and erratic, he has succumbed to the cliché of the poet in the shadows. Meeting Yurlady, a humble teenager, and helping her cultivate her talent brings some light to his days, but dragging her into the world of poets may not be the way.

Directed by Simón Mesa Soto
Swedish co-producers David Herdies and Michael Krotkiewski / Momento Film and Film i Väst, with support from the Swedish Film Institute.

World Premiere in Competition – The History of Sound (UK, SE, US, IT)

This historical romantic drama follows two young men, played by Josh O’Connor and Paul Mescal, who meet in 1916 during World War I. Later, in 1919, they travel through rural New England, recording the voices, stories, and folk music of their fellow Americans as their connection deepens.

Directed by Oliver Hermanus
Swedish co-producers Sean Wheelan / Filmgate Films and Film i Väst.