SF Studios’ and Film i Väst’s major new feature film The Emigrants will start shooting this week on location in Sweden for the next seven weeks. The large-scale epic drama is a new feature adaptation of Vilhelm Moberg’s beloved story of the Swedes who left wretchedness and misery behind for a new life on the other side of the Atlantic. The film will be directed by Erik Poppe starring Lisa Carlehed and Gustaf Skarsgård in the lead roles playing Kristina and Karl Oskar. Swedish pop sensation Tove Lo will make her feature debut on the film as Ulrika, and Sofia Helin will play Judit. Lena Strömdahl replaces Liv Ullman in the role of Kristina’s mother, who will no longer be able to participate in the film due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Together, this star-studded cast will bring new life to the iconic characters of The Emigrants book series.
Initially, shooting was scheduled to take place in the Czech Republic, but it has been relocated to Sweden due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Swedish region of Västra Götaland will play host to this large-scale production with filming mainly taking place in the surrounding areas of Alingsås and Munkedal.
“It’s fantastic to be starting production in Sweden on this film with such a talented cast and crew. The Emigrants is a timeless story which reflects our world, in the past and the present. To understand Vilhelm Moberg’s universe you need to read his books with today´s reality in mind, and reflect upon Kristina’s and Karl Oskar’s journey and destiny and what that means today. Jan Troell’s 1971 adaptation is a masterpiece and I’m not trying to recreate his film. I want to re-interpret The Emigrants in a new way, through the eyes of Kristina. Kristina’s and Karl Oskar’s brave choice, to emigrate from their home country more than a 100 years ago to create a better life for themselves and their children, is as relevant today for people around the world as it was then. This captivating, enchanting, timeless and relevant story raises the questions: who were we then and who are we now, and what are the tough choices in life we must make if we want to improve our lives?” , says Erik Poppe, director.
The Emigrants is the epic adventure of Kristina (Lisa Carlehed [In Your Arms, Until We fall, Psychosis] and Karl Oskar (Gustaf Skarsgård [438 days, Vikings], who embark on a journey with no return, in search of a better life across the Atlantic. Sofia Helin (The Snowman, Arn: The Knight Templar, The Bridge) will star as Judit. The role of Kristina’s mother Anna will be played by prominent actress Lena Strömdahl (The Bridge) who replaces Liv Ullmann in the role, as she is no longer able to participate due to the COVID-19 pandemic. International pop star Tove Lo makes her feature debut in the film as Ulrika.
“We are very happy to finally be able to start shooting The Emigrants, and I am especially excited that the production will now take place here in Sweden. The Emigrants is SF Studios’ most ambitious Swedish film this decade, and the fact that we have been able to adapt to the circumstances even as we face new challenges due to the pandemic and move a production of this size to Sweden, will hopefully give a much needed boost to Swedish, as well as Nordic and international film production,” says Fredrik Wikström-Nicastro, producer SF Studios.
“It is fantastic that Västra Götaland has been chosen as the region for the next big Swedish blockbuster. There are incredibly beautiful locations here and Film I Väst has vast experience in hosting large-scale productions, so we’re excited to welcome The Emigrants here. It means a lot for the Swedish film industry to have the production move back home, and we’re incredibly proud to be part of it”, says Peter Possne, Head of Production at Film i Väst.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the production will follow the strict guidelines and recommendations issued by the Swedish Public Health Authority to ensure that the safety, security and well-being of all members of the production, cast and crew is paramount and collectively we are taking every precaution necessary to ensure everyone can work in as safe an environment as possible.
The Emigrants is being produced by SF Studios in co-production with TV4/ Cmore, Film i Väst, Nordsvensk Filmunderhållning, Paradox, SF Studios Danmark and Fantefilm with support of the Swedish Film Institute, Nordisk Film & TV Fond, the Norwegian Film Institute, the Danish Film Institute and DR. The film will be distributed by SF Studios. REInvent International Sales will handle all international sales.
The Emigrants will premiere in cinemas on Christmas Day 2021.
