Fewer Swedish films in 2007 but better results
by Annika Pham
Last year was a good year in Sweden for domestic films, which increased their market share by 1.3% to 21.1%, equal to 3.2m admissions. Nevertheless, overall admissions fell by 1% to 15.2m, according to figures published by the Swedish Film Institute (SFI).
The growing interest in local fare was all the more welcome since fewer films were released: 30 in 2007, compared to 44 the previous year. One in five tickets bought was for a Swedish film.
For the SFI, which changed its production support policy late 2006 by giving bigger grants to fewer films, the 2007 figures are very encouraging.
CEO Cissi Elwin said: "Over the past year we've witnessed a great interest in Swedish films, and that makes it extra encouraging to see a number of very strong films waiting for release this year. This year has got off to a flying start with the success of The King of Ping Pong [+see also:
trailer
film profile] at Sundance (see news). It's also pleasing to note that despite all the new ways in which films can be seen, cinema is maintaining its position.”
As usual, admissions were highly concentrated among a couple of local blockbusters. The biggest Swedish hit was the comedy Gothia Canal 2 with 606,199 admissions, or 20% of the total Swedish box office. In at second was Arn: The Knight Templar [+see also:
trailer
film profile] with 454,647 admissions.
In third and fourth place were two directorial debuts: Helena Bergström’s Mind the Gap [+see also:
trailer
film profile] (279,733 admissions) and Johan Brisinger’s drama Suddenly [+see also:
trailer
film profile] (256,734). Seven Swedish films were in the top 25 of 2007.
US films enjoyed a market share that remained stable at 65.37%, as Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End took the top position with 844,202 admissions. Three UK films were in the top 25: Casino Royale [+see also:
trailer
film profile] (260,529 admissions for Sony Pictures), The Queen [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Andy Harries
interview: Stephen Frears
film profile] (224,523 admissions for Sandew Metronome), and Mr Bean’s Holiday [+see also:
trailer
film profile] (196,667 admissions for UIP).
The market share for UK films was 8.09% while for French and German titles it was 2.18% and 1.12% respectively.
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