In the realm of political thrillers, one film has been making waves in its home territory of Sweden and is now set to captivate international audiences. 'Hammarskjöld - Fight for Peace,' directed by Per Fly and starring Mikael Persbrandt, has garnered significant attention and has recently been sold to multiple key territories.
Sales of 'Hammarskjöld' include Italy, where it has been acquired by Rai Cinema, France by Swift Prods., Spain by Twelve Oaks, Portugal by Outsider Films, and former Yugoslavia by Discovery. Negotiations for a U.S. deal are currently underway, indicating the film's promising trajectory on the global stage.
Rooted in historical events, 'Hammarskjöld' takes place in New York City in 1961, during the height of the Cold War. The story revolves around the charismatic diplomat Dag Hammarskjöld, serving as Secretary-General of the United Nations. Faced with the challenge of bringing peace to African countries following decolonization, he confronts the vested interests of powerful entrepreneurs and world leaders seeking to exploit Africa's resources.
Amidst this intense backdrop, Dag is confronted by his old friend Peter, upending his life just as he embarks on a fateful mission to negotiate a ceasefire in the Congo. Tragically, Dag's journey ends in a plane crash under mysterious circumstances, leaving behind a legacy of both triumph and unanswered questions.
In its home country, 'Hammarskjöld' has made a significant impact since its release on December 25. Selling over 260,000 tickets and grossing more than $3.45 million, it has emerged as the most-seen film of the year. The film's success has been further validated by its inclusion in the top 10 of the Audience Award ranking at the Rotterdam Film Festival, where it made its international premiere.
Per Fly, the director and co-writer of 'Hammarskjöld,' is no stranger to crafting compelling narratives. Having previously directed the feature film 'Backstabbing for Beginners' (2018) with acclaimed actors Theo James and Ben Kingsley, Fly's talent has been recognized worldwide. In fact, his work on the BAFTA-winning TV series 'Borgen' has solidified his reputation as a visionary storyteller.
Joining Fly in bringing this captivating story to life is Swedish actor Mikael Persbrandt, known for his roles in films such as 'In a Better World,' 'Everlasting Moments,' 'The Hobbit,' and Netflix's 'Sex Education.' Persbrandt's talent and range add depth and complexity to his portrayal of Dag Hammarskjöld.
The supporting cast of 'Hammarskjöld' includes Francis Chouler, Cian Barry, Colin Salmon, Sara Soulié, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Thure Lindhart, and Richard Brake, each contributing their expertise to the film's rich tapestry of characters.
Produced by Patrick Ryborn of Unlimited Stories - Beta Nordic Studios' Swedish production house - 'Hammarskjöld' boasts an impressive lineup of co-production partners, including Nordisk Film, SVT, Film I Väst, TV4, Nordsvensk Filmunderhållning, Maipo Film, Meta Film, Per Fly APS, and Cambo Prods. The film has garnered support from institutions such as the Swedish Film Institute, the Nordisk Film & TV-Fond, the Norwegian Film Institute, Beta Film, Do Prods., and DR.
To further promote 'Hammarskjöld,' Beta Cinema will be hosting two market premiere screenings at Berlin's European Film Market. Audiences can catch the film on February 15 at 5 p.m. at CinemaxX2, or on February 17 at 9:10 a.m. at CinemaxX1.
As this gripping political thriller takes its compelling narrative to international audiences, it is set to resonate with viewers who appreciate thought-provoking cinema. 'Hammarskjöld - Fight for Peace' combines historical events, powerful performances, and a talented filmmaker's vision to create an experience that is both thrilling and illuminating.
