22/06/2009

Ingmar Bergman’s iconic home on the Baltic island of Färö and some of his personal belongings (including the famous magic lantern) are up for auction, in accordance to the Swedish legendary filmmaker’s last wishes.

“This is my wish and no discussion or emotional tumult must come as a result,” said Bergman.

His house on Fårö has been up for auction by Christies since May 18, and potential buyers have until August 20 to make an offer on the estate worth at least €4m.

Bergman’s personal possessions will go under the hammer of Bukowski’s in Stockholm on September 28. Interested parties will have three days (September 24-27) to view the historical items, including his magic lantern, which triggered his desire to become a filmmaker; a decorative figurehead, used for his company Cinematograph’s logo, and featured in the film Persona; a 1965 b&w portrait of Bergman by legendary photographer Irving Penn; and the desk at which he wrote his screenplays.

The auction of Bergman’s house has already created much furore amongst many Swedish political and cultural personalities who accuse the government of not doing enough to preserve Bergman’s legacy. “I think it’s a real scandal that Sweden cannot protect the home of one of our greatest and most celebrated artists around the world,” said production designer Anna Asp, who collaborated with the Swedish master on his later films and won an Oscar for Fanny & Alexander.

The Fårö Bergman Centre Foundation, which currently owns Bergman’s estate, has been trying to raise funds to turn his house into a museum. It also holds the annual Bergman Week in Fårö, which kicks off tomorrow and runs through June 28.

For special guests Wim Wenders, Mexican filmmaker Enrique Rivero (winner of the 2009 Ingmar Bergman Debut Award) and all the fans and friends of the Swedish director, this week’s gathering will feel like a second farewell to the iconic filmmaker who passed away on July 30, 2007 at the age of 89.