Finland Dreams Up Its Own Bergman Island With Soderlangvik Residence Program: ‘We Want to Raise the Bar’ (EXCLUSIVE)

variety.com:

Marta Balaga Finland is ready to compete with the famed Bergman Estate on Fårö, as a new residence program for Nordic filmmakers takes shape.

Set in Söderlångvik, patron of the arts Amos Anderson’s former summer residence on Kimito Island in southwest Finland, it will target mainly actors and directors.

The initiative, a result of a collaboration between Föreningen Konstsamfundet association – founded by Anderson in 1940 – and Helsinki Int.

Film Festival – Love & Anarchy, is being announced exclusively via Variety on the eve of the fest’s 36th edition. “The comparisons to ‘Bergman Island’ make sense, because we also want to create an inspiring place that brings people together, allowing them to learn from each other and really delve into their craft,” said Love & Anarchy’s executive director Anna Möttölä. “This place is really unique.” Stefan Björkman, CEO of Konstsamfundet since 2018, added: “Anderson used to have a small home theater in his basement there in the late 1930s and 1940s, and I can imagine him just sitting there, watching ‘Citizen Kane.’” “We were wondering how we can support filmmaking in other ways than just by offering money: support it and really help out the industry.