Bergman was just one of the Swedish film giants who worked at Filmstaden in Råsunda during the 20th century. The poster will be unveiled in June. Photo: Mostphotos
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The Old Film City in Råsunda has stood as a bastion for Swedish film since the early 20th century. Now it will become a European film heritage, something that can draw more international attention to the place.
The old film town in Råsunda will be the fourth Swedish cultural monument to be awarded the “European Film Academy’s” award Treasure of European film culture. The aim is to preserve places that have been important for European film culture and industry.
– It means a lot. Both those who live and work here have a special relationship with the place and you feel the beat of history when you enter, says Mikaela Kindblom, director of operations at the Foundation Filmstadens kultur.
Attract attention
With the award, Filmstaden gets the chance to be seen in a more international context, and it is hoped that more tourists will be drawn to the area.
– More people will discover this wonderful place and hopefully become curious about Swedish film history and see more Swedish films, she says.
Mikaela Kindblom is operations manager at the Foundation Filmstaden’s Culture. In the long run, she hopes that the award will lead to greater interest in Swedish film.
The Swedish equivalent of Hollywood was built in 1919 and everything from Pippi Longstocking to films by Ingemar Bergman has been filmed here. But today it is a museum, residential area and commercial activity.
Will the film industry also move back again?
– Unfortunately not for the simple reason that there are other businesses in those buildings. But just in the last few weeks, there have been a number of film shoots here for the simple reason that people like the place, says Mikaela Kindblom.
European film academy
The award has, among other things, been awarded to the Fontana di trevi in Rome, the House in Belgium from Jeanne Dielman and Bergmancenter on Fårö.
The Academy, which was founded in 1989, aims to share the joy of cinema in Europe through education, awards and galas.
Another commitment is the Month of European film. Between the first of January and the seventh of November, the film festival kicks off across the continent and aims to elevate European film art.
European film academy
You feel the beat of history.
