Värn

Denis Lavant plays a Swedish farm labourer who, during the Cold War, transforms his farm into a self-built fortress of scrap and metal at De Balie in Amsterdam. A man builds a fortress out of fear

Karl-Göran Persson is a taciturn Swedish farm labourer. When he reads a government brochure with tips in case war breaks out, he becomes completely captivated by the threat. In preparation for an invasion, he begins to transform his farm into a fortress of scrap and metal. Persson mixes concrete, gathers steel, and stacks, screws, hammers, and welds himself into a frenzy.

Based on a true story

Swedish director and visual artist John Skoog based his second feature film on the life story of the real Karl-Göran Persson, who died in 1975. The film explores the thin line between protection and obsession, seen through the eyes of a community that looks on with wonder and incomprehension.

Denis Lavant in the lead role

The film was shot in black and white on the iconic Kodak Double-X 5222 celluloid. As a result, watching the film feels like stepping into a time capsule. Lavant does not speak Swedish and his character is taciturn, but he counters this with a powerful physical presence. Are you interested in this film? Use the link for tickets.