Italian
A fresh take on love: Daniel Sawka’s new film explores romance on the autism spectrum
Introduction to a unique love story
Swedish writer-director Daniel Sawka, known for his impactful debut feature “Icebox,” is set to present his sophomore film, “Two People Who Fall in Love,” at the Nordic Co-Production showcase in Haugesund, Norway. This upcoming romantic comedy, produced by the Newen Group’s Anagram Sweden, promises to be a heartfelt exploration of love through the lens of individuals on the autism spectrum.
The essence of the film
Penned by Sawka himself, “Two People Who Fall in Love” is described as a romantic dramedy about a young couple on the autism spectrum navigating the complexities of love. The film aims to answer the profound question: “What do you do when you fall in love?” This narrative is deeply personal for Sawka, drawing inspiration from his own life experiences, particularly growing up with a brother on the autism spectrum.
Personal reflections and inspirations
Sawka’s previous work, “Icebox,” was a harrowing drama about a child migrant trapped in the U.S. immigration system, inspired by his Polish father’s forced immigration to Sweden in the late 60s. With his new film, Sawka shifts focus to a more intimate and joyful subject. “I’ve always wanted to make a film from my brother’s perspective,” Sawka shares. “This is far from a documentary; it’s a love story.”
Exploring love beyond norms
The core of “Two People Who Fall in Love” is about how people who are different from the norm experience love. Sawka believes that there is a refreshing directness in the way people on the spectrum express themselves. “In our normative society, there are so many tiny rules and codes about how you should behave, what you should say or not say,” Sawka notes. “But maybe love works better with a more direct language, without the social filters. This is what this story will explore.”
A light-hearted and authentic portrayal
Sawka emphasizes that the film will be light, playful, and humorous. “My personal experience with my brother and other people on the spectrum has been very joyful and fun,” he says. “There are a lot of stories about people on the spectrum that make you feel pity, but that’s a disservice. I want people to see my film and fall in love with my characters, to the point of even feeling slightly jealous of their love story.”
Research and authenticity
To ensure authenticity, Sawka has spent years researching the autism spectrum, visiting group homes, activity centers, and talking to educators and psychologists. He has also conducted workshops with people with different needs to feed the plot and tone of his script. The film will feature mostly new actors who can strongly relate to their characters, starting with the leads, Robin Wretman Lundgren as Hans and Tuva Beckman as Sophie. “It has been crucial to bring in people across this production with perspectives related to the world and characters we are portraying,” Sawka explains.
Production and future plans
The film has already secured financing from Swedish pubcaster SVT, regional film fund Film i Skåne, and the leading Nordic Distribution group Scanbox Entertainment, along with development funds from the Swedish Film Institute. Filming is set to begin in late spring or early summer 2025 in Stockholm.
At the Nordic Co-Production Market in Haugesund, producer Emma Åkesdotter Ronge hopes to gain interest from Nordic co-production partners and funds, and to have meetings with broadcasters and distributors. The 30th New Nordic Films will run from August 20-23, parallel to the 52nd Norwegian International Film Festival.
Final thoughts
“Two People Who Fall in Love” promises to be a refreshing and heartfelt exploration of love, breaking away from societal norms and offering a unique perspective on romance. For those interested in a film that combines humor, authenticity, and a deep understanding of the human experience, this is one to watch out for.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Two People Who Fall in Love.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of Daniel Sawka’s upcoming film, “Two People Who Fall in Love,” highlighting its unique perspective and the personal experiences that inspired it.
