ABOUT PUNKDREAMS

Firmly rooted in the 1970s with a political expression for the 2020s, the new punk generation captivates the country’s youth centers. In a short time, Borgerlig Begravning (Civil Funeral) from Uppsala, consisting of Julian, 13, Frans, 16, and Eddie, 18, has become one of the genre’s hottest new bands. They are rock stars, and the young audience flocks to the stage to mosh and shout along to the lyrics.

The energy is cumulated, sharpened and directed strategically upwards. At the same time, old rites remain, such as clothing style, moshpit and a do-it-yourself mentality. Punk becomes a space where young people gather to be themselves. For the band- and the young people in the scene, punk is vital.

Borgerlig Begravning writes about injustices, balances of power and the importance of getting to be yourself. With poetic anger, they try to get a grip of the world. With distorted riffs and screaming, the band members get an outlet for their frustration and their feelings. Together with the fans and other bands in the punk scene, Borgerlig Begravning creates music that demands to be heard. A middle finger towards those in power and the injustices of society. A dream of a better future.

Meanwhile, it’s election year and Eddie can finally vote. A responsibility he takes very seriously. “The politicians talk vaguely and the future seems very uncertain”. The doubts and reflections about this concern grow into new songs and spark conversations with the bandmates.

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

It’s winter 2019 and we are at a punk festival arranged by young adults, in a youth center in Stockholm. Six bands are playing but one of them stands out. Borgerlig Begravning. Already during the gig we decide to make contact with the band, we strongly feel that this is something more people have to experience.

Everything takes place in youth centers across the country. In these places there are young adults who dream of a different society, who with their creativity and the help of music do what they can to speak their minds and educate their society. In the middle of this, there’s us. And we see it as our duty to document this movement. These youths look at the future with concern, and we want to show that they are actually doing something in order to change it for the better.

For the uninitiated, punk can seem solely destructive, but with some curiosity you see that it is anything but. We have been let past the facade and all we see is love and solidarity.

We are both rooted in punk and the philosophy of life punk stands for. Creatively we therefore also speak the same language. Together with the guys in the band, we are creating an exciting collaboration.

PRODUCTION INFO

Title: Punkdreams

Genre: Short Documentary

Length: 20 min

CREDITS

Director: Maja Moberg, Melina Ekh

Producer: Hanna Markkanen (WG Film)

Senior producer: Margarete Jångard (WG Film)

Executive Producer: Fredrik Gertten

Editor: Anders Bewarp

Cinematographer: Simon Köcher

Composer: Viggo Hasselquist

Sound Designer: Sebastian Cronholm

Colour Grading: Simon Hansson

With Support From: Creative Europe - MEDIA Programme of the European Union, Swedish Film Institute, BoostHBG, City of Malmö and Filmregion Sydost.

FESTIVALS

BUFF 2024 World Premiere (Nominated for the Short Film Award) Malmö, Sweden

Nordisk Panorama 2024, Malmö, Sweden

Cinemagic International Film Festival for Young People 2024, Belfast, Northern Ireland