Ingmar Bergman might be one of the most influential directors in the history of cinema, but this time, he’s a real threat. Variety reports that Gustaf Skarsgård, actor and brother to Alexander and Bill Skarsgård, is making his directorial debut with The Cannibal, a psychological horror film set on Bergman’s home island of Fårö.
Written by Peter Birro, the film stars Ardalan Esmaili and Claes Ljungmark, with production beginning this week on the real site of Bergman’s estate on Fårö, as well as in West Sweden. Per Variety, the film’s synopsis is as follows:
A screenwriter in a creative crisis visits Bergman’s estate on Fårö, seeking inspiration for a film about the legendary director’s life. Twenty years ago, he spent some time on Fårö as Bergman’s guest and he’s convinced that going back to the island, remembering their many personal and sometimes disturbing conversations, will help him write the screenplay. He soon discovers that there is a demonic presence on the island that seems determined to prevent him from finishing the screenplay.
“There is no way to approach Bergman but from deep within the gigantic cinematic shadow the titan casts,” Skarsgård said. “Just like the main character David tries to break free from his demonic magnetism, so too the movie itself will attempt to break free in a playful way, by using his own artistic tools.”
The film is produced by Martin Persson and Mia Welin, with executive producers Miira Paasilinna and Gunnar Carlsson. The film is co-produced by Film i Väst, Gotlands Filmfond, Sveriges Television, Just Republic and Can Film.
“When I was a young screenwriter, I got to meet Ingmar Bergman on his desolate island of Fårö,” said Birro. “He told me about his demons and showed me where he kept them: locked away in the freezer. For 30 years, I’ve been longing to open that freezer door and let the demons out. Now the time has come.”
No release date has been set for The Cannibal. Stay tuned to FANGORIA for more updates.
