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Alex Schulman, the bestselling book author of “Burn All My Letters” and “Survivors” is set to make his feature debut with “Once in the Archipelago” with a strong cast headlined by Gustaf Skarsgård (“Oppenheimer”), Fares Fares (“Chernobyl”) and Linus Wahlgren (“Partisan”).
“Once in the Archipelago” is produced by Warner Bros. International Television Production Sweden with Christina Legkova and Sofie Palage as producers, and Johan Hedman and Ludvig Andersson as executive producer.
Based on a screenplay by Schulman, the film revolves around three fathers who accompany their daughters on a rowdy junior high school class on an idyllic archipelago island and are reminded of their own teenage traumas. “Just like the youngsters they are soon forced to realize how difficult it is to draw the line between play and dangerous power struggles, and to distinguish victims from perpetrators,” reads the synopsis.
The drama, which is laced with dark humor, is set to start filming on May 14 on location in the Stockholm archipelago.
“I have always been intrigued by the idea of creating a story where everything goes to hell. I have made some steady attempts in various novels, but I think that in this film I have finally reached the end,” said Alex Schulman.
The author-turned-filmmaker said he previously directed Skarsgård in a stage play and dreamed of working with him again. He added that he’s also long admired Fares Fares and Wahlgren.
Speaking of the idyllic backdrop, Schulman said, “Every time I walk between the pine trees and the small pinecones roll after me on the paths leading down to the water, I think that I must have lived out here in a previous life.”
“And there is something in those old log cabins. So beautiful and romantic from afar, but when you get up close, the anxiety cries out from the scribbles on the bed frames,” he continued.
Schulman is one of Sweden’s most celebrated authors. While this marks his feature debut, he’s been occasionally involved in films, notably in Björn Runge’s “Burn My Letters” which was based on his novel.
Legkova said “Once in the Archipelago” will “portray a modern generation of parents who, despite good intentions, are losing their authority and the ability to set limits for their children.” She also praised Schulman “as a creative force and unique voice.”
Over at Scanbox, which will release the film in Swedish cinemas in the fall, Annica Bellander Rune said the film underscores the company’s new venture into Swedish film.
“I was incredibly moved by the story but not least impressed by Alex Schulman, already an acclaimed book author, taking on a film script with great skill, vision and strength,” Bellander Rune continued. “Alex Schulman’s tragicomic drama says so much about our time, about how difficult it is to be a child but not least an adult.
The film is co-produced by RMV Film, Tiisch Film AB, Film Stockholm AB and Scanbox Entertainment, with support from the Swedish Film Institute and the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth.
