“Ganslandt offers a truly new perspective in an intense cinematic experience that makes us view the world anew. The film is an honest and subtly executed take on one of the more pressing issues we face in today’s society, as seen through the eyes of a striking protagonist, a four-year-old boy. Jimmie is a remarkable, emotional and thought-provoking story and we’re proud it will open our 47th edition.” — Festival Director Bero Beyer, IFFR

Jimmie is four years old. His father assures him that he will see his mother, who has suddenly disappeared, again. Jimmie believes him; what toddler wouldn’t? Even when his nice life in Stockholm disintegrates even more, Jimmie continues to cling to the promises. To an adult’s hand, a friendly face, and his trusty cuddly toy.

In his fourth feature, Jesper Ganslandt (Falkenberg Farewell, The Ape) shows with great assurance and empathy how a child tries to survive in times of desperation and loss. Jimmie, with his long blonde hair and hip Fjällräven rucksack, is forced to flee Sweden in search of a secure future. The journey is long and hazardous. The question “What if it happened to us?” underpins the impressionist film Jimmie; with a simple reversal, Ganslandt brings the refugee crisis horribly close to Western European audiences. But this film also transcends its strong concept and is primarily a compelling, fascinating drama, superbly acted by Ganslandt himself and his young son Hunter.

Title: Jimmie
Category: Feature film

Director: Jesper Ganslandt
Production Company: Fasad AB
Distribution: TriArt
Producer: Juan Pablo Libossart, Jesper Kurlandsky, Hedvig Lundgren
Co-Producers: Dominic Spitaler (AT), Bojan Kanjera (HR)

Cast: Hunter Ganslandt, Christopher Wagelin, Anna Littorin, Marita Fjeldheim Wierdal, Ella Wagelin, Adela Wagelin, Karin Hennie, Robert Finster, Max Meyr, …