The upcoming Berlin Panorama is set to kick off with a bang as Levan Akin, the talented Swedish filmmaker of Georgian descent, presents his latest feature drama “Crossing.” With a solid track record that includes the youth sci-fi “The Circle,” Akin has garnered support from renowned Swedish producers Benny Andersson and his son Ludvig Andersson. They were by his side at the Berlinale nine years ago, and their collaboration has proved fruitful ever since.
Akin’s journey has been remarkable, and it all started over two decades ago when he met Ludvig. Ludvig has been a steadfast partner, serving as executive producer on Akin’s debut film “Certain People” in 2011, as well as on the critically acclaimed “And Then We Danced” in 2019. Ludvig also co-produced “Crossing” this year. Their long-standing relationship has contributed to the development of Akin’s unique auteurism, emphasizing the importance of trust and continuity in the filmmaking process.
Speaking to Variety from their London headquarters, Ludvig Andersson shares insights into their production company, RMV Film (Riksmixningsverket). Established over a decade ago, the company covers music publishing, recording studios, and film production. Their first collaboration was Akin’s “The Circle,” adapted from Mats Strandberg and Sara B Elfgren’s novel. It was a risky project at the time, but Andersson and his father saw the potential and decided to produce it, thanks to their prior experience working on “Mamma Mia” and its sequel.
The bond between Ludvig and Akin goes beyond their passion for films. They grew up together, watching movies like “Back to the Future” and “ET.” This shared experience, combined with Akin’s background and vision, shapes his films, giving them a unique emotional resonance and meaning. Ludvig commends Akin’s ability to create movies that strike a chord with audiences, even in genres like sci-fi.
Their latest collaboration, “Crossing,” promises to deliver the same humanistic qualities as their previous projects. Set in Istanbul, the film follows a retired teacher named Lia as she embarks on a journey to find her long-lost niece. During her search, she encounters Evrim, a lawyer fighting for trans rights, who may hold the key to reconnecting with her niece. The movie is a poignant exploration of finding family that accepts and loves unconditionally, regardless of blood relations.
“Crossing” has already attracted attention worldwide, with multiple territories acquiring distribution rights ahead of its premiere at Berlin. With an impressive lineup of buyers, including MUBI for North America, the U.K., Germany, and Latin America, the film is poised for success.
RMV Film continues to make bold choices in the Swedish film industry, backing projects that they believe can make a difference. Andersson expresses his interest in expanding into larger international endeavors, emphasizing that talent is their primary consideration, not just scale.
While Ludvig focuses on his pop music career and the successful “ABBA Voyage” concert, he remains committed to supporting Akin and his future projects. The virtual concert, where ABBA performs as avatars alongside a live band, has been a massive hit, attracting millions of viewers since its launch. With plans to take the show on a worldwide tour, Ludvig is excited about the future.
As for the possibility of an ABBA reunion for their 50th anniversary and the upcoming Eurovision contest, Andersson remains uncertain. While the group released the ABBA Voyage album, they are not currently committed to any celebration. Only time will tell if the legendary ABBA members will come together once again.
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