One Eye Red

Colour, 35 mm
Sweden, 2007, 90 min
IP - International Premiere
Section: Another View

About the film

Halim has become a victim of the Integration Plan – his father’s secret method for turning all immigrants into Swedes, his son in particular. Halim however has a plan of his own – he tries to become the most Arabic Swedish sultan of the mind and keeps reminding his father of his Arabic roots. This multicultural comedy about the lures of life in a globalised world is a light take on the feelings of immigrants, the common cares that go with adolescence, love, and problems with relationships between parents and children, told with plenty of hyperbole and humour. The colourful, energetic and boisterous world of the Arab community vs. a tad more boring and average Sweden – the film is based on the contrast of these two worlds. The first is characterised by a resplendence of colour and passionate Arabic music, the other by the spectre of integration. Likeable protagonists and a slightly politically incorrect tone are likely to ingratiate the film with audiences. At this year’s Swedish national Guldbagge awards Hassan Brijany came away with the award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayal of the hero’s father.

About the director

Daniel Wallentin (b. 1981, Dalarnas län, Sweden) graduated from Stockholm’s University College of Film, Radio, Television and Theatre in 2004. The film One Eye Red is his feature film debut and is based on Jonas Hassen Khemiri’s celebrated novel. He also filmed the acclaimed shorts Mebana (2005), Kung Konrad (2004) and Kom tilbaka (2003). In the future he would like to shoot films incorporating Astrid Lindgren’s poetic style. He considers Lindgren as well as Tim Burton, Peter Jackson and the Coen brothers to be his sources of inspiration.