Viaplay Content Distribution has bought “A Life’s Worth” to Spain (EITB) and Greece (Vodafone) forward of its Series Mania premiere in its International Panorama.
The six-episode drama, directed by Ahmed Abdullahi, is impressed by the challenges confronted by the primary Swedish U.N. battalion, despatched to Bosnia in 1993.
Produced by Yellowbird in co-production with Viaplay and Arte France, “A Life’s Worth” has additionally licensed to Arte for France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg and Austria; Viaplay holds different world rights.
“Swedish soldiers didn’t have to go there: they volunteered. Some needed a job, others hoped for an adventure. So many of them didn’t even know what that war was about. They got more than they asked for,” stated Mona Masri, who co-wrote the present with Oliver Dixon.
“The UN is a peacekeeping force. I read somewhere that many weapons weren’t functioning, because they weren’t supposed to be used. Then they realized people were being slaughtered.”
Inspired by the same-titled ebook by U.N. soldier Magnus Ernström – who served because the present’s guide – it wanted to “feel true” to those that’ve skilled warfare, she admits. And specific their feeling of helplessness.
“Quo Vadis, Aida?’ [Jasmila Žbanić’s drama about the Srebrenica massacre] showed this very well: people weren’t allowed to do anything. The colonel in our show was inspired by a real person who wasn’t allowed to use force while protecting civilians. He argued that you can’t talk to someone holding a gun: you have to respond in the same language.”
While Sweden has a giant migrant neighborhood from the Balkans, it’s essential to remind individuals concerning the Bosnian War, argued Masri.
“When Russia invaded Ukraine, some said: ‘It’s the first war in Europe since WWII.’ But what about the Balkans? It’s a forgotten conflict. I didn’t want to use it as a background for a ‘Swedish story,’ even though it’s a Swedish series.”
Johan Rheborg, solid because the controversial colonel, remembered the occasions portrayed within the present.
“I had a few friends who actually went there. But people didn’t talk about our participation and for politicians, it was dangerous to admit they sent Swedes to war. These kids, who came there as U.N. soldiers… I don’t know if they expected to end up in such severe situations. I really don’t think so.”
According to his co-star Erik Enge, younger fighters wished to “make a difference.”
“That’s why they were there. As to how to achieve it, well, that’s another question. They weren’t trained soldiers; they didn’t know how to handle danger. In the series, they look at each other, thinking: ‘What do we do now’?!”
Edvin Ryding, Maxwell Cunningham, Toni Prince, Sandra Stojiljković and Johannes Bah Kuhnke spherical out the solid.
While “A Life’s Worth” may very well be seen as “provocative” at house, stated Rheborg, Swedish angle in the direction of warfare and army conflicts has modified. On March 7, 2024, it grew to become a member of NATO.
“Back then, Sweden was very egotistical and minding its own business. We didn’t think we were ever going to be involved in another war. Now, all the money goes to the military. It’ll be interesting to see how it’s perceived today.”
Enge agreed: “When this happened, Sweden was still very proud of being neutral. It was a complex war. But one of the reasons to send UN soldiers [to Bosnia] was because Sweden wanted to show we can be a part of this community that is Europe. It was the first step.”
For Enge, respecting real-life occasions was “more important than trying to entertain an audience.” Still, as famous by Masri, tales about armed conflicts aren’t nearly killing.
“It’s also about trying to buy bread or wanting to get married. Life goes on. It’s amazing how quickly we adapt,” she stated, finally permitting for some lighter scenes between the characters.
“The best way to handle trauma and all these brutal things you’re seeing is through humor. We needed to allow these characters and the viewers to take a breather,” stated Enge, with Rheborg recalling his personal experiences.
“When you’re under pressure and have a lot of anxiety, you seek normality. That was my experience in Thailand, during a tsunami. After it was over, we were sitting on a hotel deck. Everybody was quiet. Suddenly, someone said: ‘Anybody care for a swim?’ We all started laughing. No matter what happens, you want to laugh.”
He added: “These characters are not the judges of what’s right and wrong. The only thing they know is that a crime against innocent people is a crime – whoever commits it. They are trying to find some decency in the chaos.”