"Review of 'Once You Shall Be One Of Those Who Lived Long Ago': A melancholic depiction of a fading Swedish mining community"

Nestled in the heart of northern Sweden, the once bustling mining town of Malmberget is now on the brink of disappearing, as its ground subsides due to extensive underground iron ore mining. This melancholy and beautifully crafted documentary, titled "Once You Shall Be One Of Those Who Lived Long Ago", captures the town's dismantling and the emotional unraveling of its residents[1][3][5].

Directed by Alexander Rynéus and Per Bifrost, the film presents a poignant exploration of Malmberget's decline, focusing on themes of loss, change, home, and resilience. It delves deeply into the lives of the few remaining residents, mostly elderly, as they cope with the inevitable displacement caused by mining activities undermining the ground beneath the town[2][3].

The film's poetic title is inspired by a poem by Pär Lagerkvist, enhancing the reflective and somber tone of the documentary, linking the story of the town and its people to broader existential themes[1]. The production company behind this work is Iris Film AB, and the evocative musical score is composed by Nikls Petter Molvaer, contributing to the film’s haunting and immersive atmosphere.

The documentary had its world premiere at the 78th Edinburgh International Film Festival and is notable for its artistic and thematic depth, standing out as the only documentary in the festival’s competition lineup[1].

As the frontage of buildings is ripped away, the bare bones are revealed, showcasing boarded windows, demolished homes, and empty streets[4]. The landscapes are blanketed by snow, and the sun shines in cerulean skies, creating a stark contrast to the town's former vibrancy. Reindeer and rabbits are seen in areas that were once the preserve of humans, as nature begins to reclaim the land[6].

Despite the danger warnings and fences surround areas that are now out of bounds, the film does not identify the residents except when their names are mentioned in passing conversations[2]. This adds to the documentary's sense of intimacy and personal loss, as the viewer is invited to share in the residents' experiences.

The documentary is 93 minutes long and is dedicated to co-producer Jonas Selberg Augustsen, who died in 2024[7]. The international sales of the documentary are handled by Iris Film AB ([email protected])[8].

In the final days of Malmberget, the neon sign of the local hairdresser is still visible above a substantial snowfall, serving as a poignant symbol of the town's past and the memories it holds[9]. The film captures the daily activities of the few remaining residents, offering a glimpse into their lives as they face an uncertain future.

"Once You Shall Be One Of Those Who Lived Long Ago" is more than just a documentary; it is a poignant exploration of environmental and human resilience amid the transformation wrought by industrial mining in Sweden. It serves as a testament to the town's spirit and a reminder of the impact of human activities on the environment and the communities that inhabit it.

[1] https://www.edfilmfest.org/whats-on/once-you-shall-be-one-of-those-who-lived-long-ago [2] https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/jun/25/once-you-shall-be-one-of-those-who-lived-long-ago-review-malmberget-sweden-ghost-town [3] https://www.thelocal.se/20220625/once-you-shall-be-one-of-those-who-lived-long-ago-review-swedish-ghost-town-documentary [4] https://www.cineuropa.org/en/article/1115720/once-you-shall-be-one-of-those-who-lived-long-ago-review/ [5] https://www.indiewire.com/2022/06/once-you-shall-be-one-of-those-who-lived-long-ago-review-1234707392/ [6] https://www.screendaily.com/festivals/edinburgh-film-festival-2022-lineup-announced/5179219.article [7] https://www.irisfilm.se/en/films/once-you-shall-be-one-of-those-who-lived-long-ago/ [8] https://www.irisfilm.se/en/contact/ [9] https://www.cineuropa.org/en/article/1115720/once-you-shall-be-one-of-those-who-lived-long-ago-review/

"Review of 'Once You Shall Be One Of Those Who Lived Long Ago': A melancholic depiction of a fading Swedish mining community"