In collaboration with Cinématte Bern and the Swedish Institute, the Swedish Embassy is presenting a diverse film series this autumn: we are delighted to present three current film productions, a rare film classic from 1968 and a reprise in collaboration with the Diplomats for Equality network.
The film series kicks off on 13 October with the film “Hammarskjöld” (Fight for Peace).
The story is based on true events and takes place in 1961 in New York City. At the height of the Cold War, the charismatic diplomat Dag Hammarskjöld has reached the peak of his power as Secretary-General of the United Nations. He takes it upon himself to bring peace to African countries after decolonization, thereby thwarting the plans of powerful businessmen and world leaders who seek to continue exploiting Africa’s resources. Just as his old friend Peter appears in New York and turns his life upside down, Dag boards a plane bound for the Congo to make one last attempt at negotiating a ceasefire.
Another highlight will be the premiere of the Ukrainian-Swedish film “Songs Of Slow Burning Earth”, which we will be showing on 3 December in collaboration with the Ukrainian Embassy in Bern.
How does a society change when war suddenly breaks out? What happens first? How does time stretch when everyday life suddenly disappears, and only bare survival remains?
In quiet images, whose tension arises through artistic sound design, the filmmaker respectfully allows us to take part in life during a state of emergency. Never loud, never voyeuristic, this is a film poem of immediate, new sounds and a strange lingering in time and space. It is about patience and hope.
The full program can be found here plus link to Cinématte for additional information and tickets.
