Film i Väst at the Berlinale – including the Opening Film and Talent Show

Today marks the opening of the Berlin International Film Festival, also known as the Berlinale. Film i Väst has four co-productions in this year’s programme: the opening film "No Good Men", as well as "A Prayer for the Dying", "The Testament of Ann Lee" and "Lust".

In addition, Film i Väst Analysis is once again hosting its traditional event – this year in the form of a talent show.

Co-productions during the Berlinale

No Good Men

Director: Shahrbanoo Sadat
Naru, the only camerawoman at Kabul TV, is convinced there are no good men in Afghanistan. But when the reporter Qodrat takes her on assignment just before the Taliban’s return, sparks fly –and she is led to question this belief.

Produced by Adomeit Film GmbH in co-production with Film i Väst and others. Part of the post-production was carried out in Västra Götaland County, with sound mixing by Tint and foley by Silverin Film.

A Prayer for the Dying

Director: Dara Van Dusen
"A Prayer for the Dying" is set in 1870 in Friendship, Wisconsin, a small town where Scandinavian settlers are still suffering the aftermath of the Civil War. When they are faced with a new and even deadlier threat, a man is forced to make a horrific choice: save his young family or defend the community that gave him a second chance in life.

Produced by Eye Eye Pictures in co-production with Garagefilm International, Film i Väst and others. Part of the post-production was carried out in Västra Götaland, with sound mixing by Auditory and film editing by Fredrik Morheden.

The Testament of Ann Lee

Director: Mona Fastvold
The film is set in the 18th century and tells the story of Ann Lee (Amanda Seyfried), founder of the religious Shaker movement, who was appointed by her followers as the female Jesus. We follow the movement’s journey toward the utopian society they sought to create, expressed through their worship in song and dance. "The Testament of Ann Lee" is based on true events.

Swedish co-producer is GötaFilm, in co-production with Film i Väst. Several scenes were filmed aboard the East Indiaman Götheborg at Eriksberg.

Lust

Director: Ralitza Petrova
A prison parole officer, Lilian keeps others at arm’s length — and herself even further. When she inherits her absent father’s burial and debts, she spirals back into destructive patterns she thought she had left behind. Drawn to Alex, a rigger skilled in Shibari bondage, she edges toward a near-death moment where the knots of her past unravel. But can she find her way back to a body she's long abandoned?

Produced by Aporia Filmworks and Screening Emotions, with Silver Films as the Swedish co-producer. Part of the post-production was carried out in Västra Götaland County by CAN Film, with VFX by Dupp Film.

Event: The Film Industry’s Got Talent?

The Film i Väst Analysis research project Public Film Funding at a Crossroads is reaching its conclusion, and the research for the fourth and final study will be discussed during Berlinale. The report in the series will be released later this year.

This year, we are introducing a new format, a curated “talent show” in which industry professionals from across Europe will pitch concrete ideas for change inspired by the themes of the upcoming report. A jury of experts will respond to each proposal, creating a dynamic and forward-looking dialogue about the challenges and opportunities ahead. Our host for the afternoon will be AC Coppens from The Catalysts.

Date and time: Sunday, February 15, 3:00–4:30 PM
Venue: Hilton Hotel, Anton-Wilhelm-Amo-Strasse 64, Berlin

We will round off the afternoon with a Cocktail Reception from 4:30–5:30 PM.

RSVP here. Limited capacity.

Berlin Critics’ Week

Berlin Critics’ Week is held in parallel with the Berlinale, and during the week Göran Hugo Olsson’s Guldbagge Award–winning documentary "Israel Palestine on Swedish Television 1958-1989" will be screened. The film is produced by Story in co-production with, among others, SVT and Film i Väst.

Berlin Critics’ Week is organized by the German Film Critics Association, Hauptstadtkulturfonds, and Stiftung Kulturwerk/VG Bild-Kunst.

Photo in header: Virginie Surdej