The Film

Synopsis

This feature documentary is an affectionate yet truthful account of the 42 years and 12 films long relationship between legendary actress Liv Ullmann and master film maker Ingmar Bergman. Told entirely from Liv’s point of view, this rollercoaster journey of extreme highs and lows is constructed as a collage of images and sounds from the timeless Ullmann-Bergman films, behind the scenes footage, still photographs, passages from Liv’s book ‘Changing’ and Ingmar’s love letters to Liv. Ultimately this film is a homage - a candid, humane look - not only at two of the greatest artists of our time, but also at two wonderful human beings, two inseparable friends, soul mates...

Story

Liv Ullmann – a legendary actress. Ingmar Bergman – a master filmmaker. Both met in 1964 while making a timeless classic called 'Persona' and became overwhelmed with passion. Both were married at the time and had a huge age gap. Liv was 25 and Ingmar was 47. But none of it mattered. That summer, alongside the sunshine and desire and happiness, one of the greatest love stories was born. Days were filled with romance and recognizing one another, playing with each other like children, being alive.

Directors statement

Liv Ullmann and Ingmar Bergman are two legends and like any other film fan I have been in awe of their work for a long time. But what propels me to make this film is what lies beneath their greatness – this universal and a very real story of a man and a woman – a tale of two lovers – friends – companions – soul mates. The myriad layers of emotions and complexities in their relationship touch a personal chord within me. This film is for everyone who has loved and lost and continued loving.

Production

The Team

Credits

Directed by Dheeraj Akolkar. Director of Photography Hallvard Bræin FNF. Composer Stefan Nilsson. Sound Designers Resul Pookutty CAS, MPSE Amrit Pritam. Editor Tushar Ghogale. Produced by Rune H. Trondsen. Written by Dheeraj Akolkar with the use of passages from Liv Ullmann’s autobiography ‘Changing’, excerpts from Ingmar Bergman’s personal letters to Liv Ullmann and a passage from Ingmar Bergman’s autobiography ‘Lanterna Magica’. Interview and Readings from the book ‘Changing’ Liv Ullmann. Voice for Ingmar Bergman - Samuel Fröler. Researcher Ragnhild Lund. Additional Researcher Erlend Lange.