‘Icebox’ Helmer Daniel Sawka Sets Autism Spectrum Romcom for Newen’s Anagram Sweden (EXCLUSIVE)

As a seasoned movie critic with a penchant for films that delve into the human condition, I find myself intrigued by the upcoming work of Swedish director Daniel Sawka – a man whose storytelling is deeply rooted in his personal experiences. Having seen the profound impact his life has on his artistry, I eagerly await the release of “Two People Who Fall in Love”.


Daniel Sawka, a Swedish filmmaker whose first feature “Icebox,” produced by James L. Brooks of Hollywood fame, garnered over 4 million unique views on HBO, will be presenting his next project, the romantic comedy “Two People Who Fall in Love,” at the Nordic Co-Production showcase in Haugesund, Norway. This information was obtained exclusively by EbMaster. The upcoming film, produced by Anagram Sweden, a production arm and talent incubator of Newen Group, is also responsible for Disney+’s first Nordic original “To Cook a Bear” and the award-winning “East, Sleep, Die.”

Written by Sawka, “Two People Who Fall in Love” is described as a “romantic comedy-drama that follows a young couple on the autism spectrum as they grapple with life’s toughest question: What do you do when you fall in love?” according to its logline.

Just like the director’s critically acclaimed film “Icebox” (2018 Toronto Discovery), which was transformed from a short graduation project at the American Film Institute into a full-length feature under Brooks’ mentorship, “Two People Who Fall in Love” is inspired by the director’s own personal experiences.

The impetus for “Icebox,” a powerful drama centered around a young immigrant trapped within the U.S. immigration system, stemmed from Sawka’s personal experience: his Polish father being compelled to migrate to Sweden during the late 60s. Additionally, the concept for this upcoming feature film was sparked by his own upbringing alongside a brother with autism spectrum disorder.

As I prepare for my New Nordic Films pitch on Aug 22, I shared with EbMaster that I’ve harbored a long-standing desire to create a film through his eyes. Contrary to what some may think, this isn’t a documentary; rather, it’s a heartfelt exploration of love, a story I’m passionate about bringing to life.

“At the heart of this movie lies an exploration of love as it’s experienced by individuals who don’t conform to societal norms. It’s intriguing to me how people on the spectrum communicate in a straightforward manner, which I find quite refreshing,” he pointed out, further stating: “In our typical society, dating comes with countless unspoken rules and expectations about behavior, what to say or not say, and how you should present yourself. However, I contend that perhaps love thrives better when it’s expressed more candidly, without the need for social filters. This is a theme we’ll delve into in this narrative.”

Building upon the image’s atmosphere, Sawka expressed that the film will be filled with laughter, mirth, and a touch of whimsy. “To begin with, my interactions with my brother and others on the spectrum have been incredibly enjoyable and entertaining. Moreover, there are numerous tales about individuals on the spectrum that evoke feelings of sorrow, but I believe this is misleading. I aim for my movie to resonate as any other love story, where viewers can develop affection for my characters, perhaps even feeling a tinge of envy towards their romance. Isn’t that what romantic films are all about?”

In the creation of “Icebox,” Sawka immersed himself extensively in the world of the autism spectrum over a number of years. He visited group homes, activity centers, engaged in discussions with educators, psychologists, and even held workshops designed for individuals with various needs. This extensive research was instrumental in shaping both the narrative and tone of his screenplay.

In essence, it’s important to have actors who deeply understand their roles for a genuine portrayal of our story, starting with the main characters, Robin Wretman Lundgren as Hans and Tuva Beckman as Sophie. Sawka, who has previously worked with both Wretman Lundgren and Beckman, emphasizes their natural talent and believes they bring unique insights to our project due to their connections to the world and characters we’re depicting.

To date, the picture has received funding from several sources including SVT, a public broadcaster based in Sweden, Film i Skåne, a regional film fund, Scanbox Entertainment, a prominent Nordic Distribution group, and development funds from the Swedish Film Institute. This information was shared by Emma Åkesdotter Ronge, one of its producers, who works alongside Ann Lundberg on the project.

Filming is due to kick-off late spring or early summer 2025 in Stockholm.

At Haugesund’s Nordic Co-Production Market, Åkesdotter Ronge expressed her desire to attract potential Nordic co-production collaborators and financial backers, as well as arrange meetings with television networks and distributors. The 30th edition of New Nordic Films will take place from August 20-23 in Haugesund, coinciding with the 52nd Norwegian International Film Festival.

Read More

2024-08-07 12:17