The Swedish star’s flash visit to Venice
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Published 2024-09-03 14.03
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VENICE. Lena Endre, 69, is on a quick visit to the film festival.
She plays a woman who makes life miserable for a Russian refugee family in Sweden in “Quiet life”,
– Sometimes you have to play hard, even if it means that it contributes to a rather negative image of the Swedish authorities, she says.
“Quiet life” is a co-production between France, Germany, Sweden, Greece, Estonia and Finland. The director is Greek Alexandros Avranas. It is recorded in the Gothenburg area, Finland and Estonia. But it takes place entirely in and around Gothenburg in 2018. A Russian family who fled their home country for political reasons has problems getting a residence permit.
– I met the director and the producer, read the script, thought it was a good story and immediately felt: I would love to do this, says Lena, when we meet in Lounge Orrizonti, home of the side section in which the film competes.
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full screens Endre Photo: Victor Boyko / Getty Images
Passionate about refugee drama
Lene Endre’s stubborn authority figure makes a young girl break down during an interrogation when she has to explain why the family cannot return to Russia. Is she lying or not? Then she and her sister become apathetic and hospitalized.
– The discussions at that time became so nasty. It cannot have been the case that parents gave their children sleeping pills to make them stay. It was interesting that the director had read about all the apathetic children in Sweden and wanted to make a film about it. They were seen as a group, but each individual case is a story.
– At first everyone was so helpful when the refugees arrived. Now all immigrants are going out. Then Sweden will collapse.
For Lena, a refugee drama is particularly close to her heart.
– My grandmother and my father fled Estonia during the Second World War. They came here in 1944 with a small boat across the Baltic Sea. So I’ve seen up close what it’s like to long to return, when you didn’t come here of your own free will.
– It was extra fun that I got to record my scenes in Estonia, in Tallinn.
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full screen Alejandro Arenas Azorin, Stavros Pamballis, Eleni Roussinou, Lena Endre, director Alexandros Avranas, Miroslava Pashutina, Chulpan Khamatova, Naomi Lamp and Grigory Dobrygin Photo: Vittorio Zunino Celotto / Getty Images
“I have such a small role”
Venice, Cannes, Telluride, famous film festivals, Lena has visited before. Now it was only two nights, in connection with the screening of the film.
– I have such a small role that I was pleasantly surprised that they brought me here, she says.
Other Swedes in the cast include Johannes Kuhnke, Alicia Eriksson and Anna Bjelkerud. And then the Norwegian Lisa Loven Kongslifrom Ruben Östlund’s “Tourist”.
– I hope the film evokes feelings for the family we follow in the film.
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full screen Lena Endre Photo: Victor Boyko / Getty Images
Retires – but shoots a movie with Skarsgård: “Meet and have sex sometimes”
Now she is retiring from Dramaten, the farewell will soon take place, but that does not mean she stops working.
– I don’t have any other hobbies.
We eventually get to see her in the TV series “Trolösa” and “Tordyveln flyger i skymningen”. She will start rehearsing a new play at Dramaten later this year. And during the autumn she films in Oslo, i Joachim Triers new film, against, among other things Stellan Skarsgård.
– We play two people who have known each other all their lives, who are not together, but meet and have sex sometimes (laughs).
The Swedish Star’s Flash Visit to Venice
Published: 2024-09-03 14:03
Author: [Your Name]
Introduction
VENICE – Renowned Swedish actress Lena Endre, aged 69, made a brief yet significant appearance at the Venice Film Festival, gracing the event with her presence amidst the screening of her latest film, Quiet Life. The film tackles sensitive themes surrounding refugees and their struggles in Sweden, a topic that resonates deeply with Endre, given her family history. This article explores Endre’s involvement in Quiet Life and her perspectives on the broader implications of her role.
The Allure of the Venice Film Festival
The Venice Film Festival is globally celebrated for showcasing some of the most compelling cinematic works. For Lena Endre, a seasoned actress who has previously attended prestigious festivals like Cannes and Telluride, this visit was characterized by a keen sense of purpose. Despite having a small role in Quiet Life, she appreciated the opportunity to participate in a film with such impactful storytelling.
“I have such a small role that I was pleasantly surprised that they brought me here,” she commented during her brief sojourn in the city.
Exploring a Touchy Subject in Quiet Life
In Quiet Life, directed by Greek filmmaker Alexandros Avranas, Endre portrays a complex character whose actions wreak havoc on a Russian refugee family living in Sweden. The film, co-produced by several countries, including France, Germany, and Finland, highlights the bureaucratic and emotional toll faced by refugees seeking asylum.
Endre’s character embodies a difficult authority figure, engaging in scenes that challenge the family’s balance and wellbeing. She acknowledges the weight of her character’s impact, stating: “Sometimes you have to play hard, even if it means that it contributes to a rather negative image of the Swedish authorities.”
Personal Connection to the Refugee Narrative
The narrative of Quiet Life is not just a story for Lena Endre; it is personal. Her family fled Estonia during World War II, a harrowing experience that has shaped her understanding of displacement and longing for home.
“My grandmother and my father fled Estonia during the Second World War,” Endre reflected, adding, “I’ve seen up close what it’s like to long to return when you didn’t come here of your own free will.” This historical resonance fuels her commitment to the role and allows her to portray the emotional depths required authentically.
A Powerful Message on Immigration
As societal attitudes towards immigration evolve in Sweden, Endre is acutely aware of the changing landscape. She remarks on the shift from welcome to wary, stating: “At first, everyone was so helpful when the refugees arrived. Now, all immigrants are going out. Then Sweden will collapse.”
This underlying message of compassion for refugees is crucial, and her hope is that Quiet Life fosters empathy and understanding for the family depicted in the film.
The Future amidst Retirement
As she approaches retirement from the Royal Dramatic Theatre (Dramaten), Lena Endre remains dedicated to her craft. Despite her departure from the theater scene, she plans to continue acting, including an upcoming project involving noted actor Alexander Skarsgård. “I will still meet and have work sometimes,” she assures, indicating that her passion for storytelling remains undiminished.
Conclusion
Lena Endre’s brief visit to the Venice Film Festival underscored her commitment to highlighting important social issues through her art. Her role in Quiet Life, intertwined with personal history and contemporary significance, reminds audiences of the ongoing struggles faced by many seeking asylum around the globe. As the film continues to resonate with viewers, Endre’s performance is bound to evoke empathy and ignite conversations about the complexities of immigration and humanity.
For more insightful updates on cinema, film festivals, and notable stars, stay tuned!
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By weaving personal narratives and social commentary into her performances, Lena Endre not only entertains but also enlightens audiences on critical global issues.
