13/02/2023 - In the new Cold War-set feature, Mikael Persbrandt will play the titular Secretary-General of the United Nations, who died in a mysterious plane crash in 1961

Per Fly’s new feature, titled Hammarskjöld [+see also:
film review
film profile], is now in post-production and is ready to be launched at this year’s European Film Market (16-22 February). The announcement was first reported by Variety.

Before working on the making of this new Cold War-set political thriller, over the last few years, the Danish helmer directed four episodes of the series Borgen (2022) as well as the feature Backstabbing for Beginners [+see also:
trailer
film profile] (2018), which revolves around a young programme coordinator at the United Nations who stumbles upon a conspiracy involving Iraq's oil reserves.

The story, shot in the English language and penned by Ulf Ryberg (Headhunters [+see also:
trailer
film profile], the series Millennium and Wallander) and the director himself, begins at the peak of the Cold War in 1961, at the UN headquarters in New York City. The charismatic diplomat and economist Dag Hammarskjöld (Mikael Persbrandt, recently seen in the series The Kingdom Exodus [+see also:
series review
trailer
interview: Asta Kamma August
interview: Hubert Toint and Mark Denes…
series profile], Sex Education and Foundation) has reached the pinnacle of his power, serving as Secretary-General of the United Nations for the seventh year. After decolonisation, he takes it upon himself to bring peace to the African countries, thwarting powerful entrepreneurs’ and world leaders’ plans to further exploit resources. When UN peacekeepers are killed in open battle in the Congo, Hammarskjöld sees no other way than to use new means of enforcement, leading UN troops into their first wartime operation. Well aware that his enemies might gather to plot against him, he boards a plane in a final, desperate attempt to negotiate a ceasefire.

Persbrandt will star alongside Francis Chouler, Cian Barry, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Colin Salmon, Richard Brake, Sara Soulié and Thure Lindhardt. John C Rosenlund (The Wave [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Roar Uthaug
film profile], The Emigrants [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile]) is attached as the cinematographer.

Patrick Ryborn, who is producing the film for Unlimited Stories, underscored how Hammarskjöld promises to be “a political thriller and, at the same time, a personal portrait of the private man”.

Hammarskjöld is being produced by Beta Nordic Studios’ Swedish banner Unlimited Stories. Co-producing are Nordisk Film, SVT, C More, Film i Väst, Nordsvensk Filmunderhållning AB and Maipo A/S. The picture, now in post-production, is expected to be delivered during the third quarter of 2023. Nordisk Film is distributing it in Scandinavia, whilst Beta Cinema represents all international markets and will present the first footage to buyers at the EFM.