The Riot

Synopsis

High up in the Arctic mountains lay the place that was commonly referred to as “Lappland's Hell.” The copper mines in Sulitjelma were established in 1891 by Swedish industrial magnate Nils Persson. In record time, the company grew to become Norway’s second-largest industrial workplace around the year 1900.

"The Riot" tells the story of the struggle against oppression in the mining town of Sulitjelma, known as Sulis, in the early 1900s. Konrad and the oppressed miners stand together in revolt against the mining company and its ruthless leader Wennstrøm. The film is based on actual events at Norway’s second-largest workplace, where the mining company held all the power and where the workers endured inhumane conditions in the dangerous and dark mines. This was the Nordic countries' version of the Wild West. Oppression, slave labor, and the brutality of capitalism culminated in a revolt that laid the groundwork for the Nordic model and the modern society we see in Scandinavia today.

Today, 3.7 million people work in mines around the world, and at least 12,000 workers die each year in mining accidents. The fight for justice, safety, improved working conditions, and cooperation between employers and employees remains just as relevant today – and this is exactly what "The Riot" is about.

Production Facts

The young lead role is played by Swedish rising star Otto Fahlgren ("Beartown"), in his first major leading role. He plays Konrad, a child slave sold from Sweden to Norway who ends up in the mining community of Sulis. Acclaimed actor Simon J. Berger ("Margrete – Queen of the North", "Exit") plays the antagonist Wennstrøm. Sofie Jannock also appears in the film.

The cast also includes Norwegian actors Alexandra Gjerpen, Mads Sjøgård Pettersen, Stig Henrik Hoff, and musical theatre star Heidi Ruud Ellingsen, making her feature film debut.

Behind the camera we find cinematographer and Guldbagge Award winner Anders Bohman, Rikard Waxin and Anna Hällgren, supporting director Nils Gaup, along with production manager Anette Wiman. The script is written by Christopher Grøndal.

"The Riot" is the largest production ever from a northern Norwegian production company and is produced by Storyline NOR with producers Tom Vidar Karlsen and Trond Eliassen, in collaboration with Götafilm, Handmade Films in Norwegian Woods, Studio Locomotive, FilmCamp, Filmfond Nord, Film i Väst and Filminvest, with support from the Swedish Film Institute.

SF Studios distributes the film in the Nordics and REinvent handles international sales.