Rio Celebrates Ingmar Bergman’s Centenary with Special Film Screenings

By Jack Arnhold, Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – This Thursday, September 20th, will see the beginning of a week-long celebration for the centenary of one of cinema’s all-time greats, Ingmar Bergman, at the Espaço Itaú de Cinema in Botafogo.

Through Wednesday, September 26th, the cinema will be showing ten films from the Swedish auteur, as well as two documentaries not yet seen in Brazil: ‘Searching for Ingmar Bergman’ by Margarethe Von Trotta and ‘Gunnel Lindblom – Out of the Silence’ by Henrik Von Sidow.

The celebration will begin on Thursday, September 20th with the Brazilian premiere of the documentary ‘Searching for Ingmar Bergman’ by Margarethe Von Trotta. On Friday, September 21st, there will be showings of ‘Through a Glass Darkly,’ ‘Autumn Sonata,’ ‘Summer with Monika,’ ‘Wild Strawberries’ and ‘Cries and Whispers.’

On Saturday, Espaço Itaú de Cinema will be showing some of Bergman’s most famous films, including ‘The Seventh Seal,’ ‘Winter Light,’ ‘Wild Strawberries,’ ‘Persona,’ and a repeat showing of ‘Autumn Sonata.’ There will also be the Brazilian premiere of the Henrik Von Sidow documentary, ‘Gunnel Lindblom – Out of the Silence.’

Sunday will give another chance to see ‘Cries and Whispers,’ ‘The Seventh Seal,’ ‘Fanny and Alexander’ and ‘Summer with Monika.’ While Monday will play ‘Wild Strawberries,’ a rare showing of ‘The Silence,’ plus ‘Autumn Sonata’ and another showing of ‘Searching for Ingmar Bergman.’

On Tuesday, they will be showing ‘Persona,’ ‘Through a Glass Darkly,’ ‘The Seventh Seal,’ ‘Cries and Whispers’ and ‘Gunnel Lindblom – Out of the Silence.’ Finally, on Wednesday, there will be one last chance to catch ‘Fanny and Alexander,’ ‘Winter Light’ and ‘The Silence.’

“Ingmar Bergman is unquestionably one of the best known Swedes in the world. A giant of Swedish culture that represents a point of reference for Brazilians to know the country,” comments the Swedish Ambassador to Brazil, Per-Arne Hjelmborn.

“Therefore, in partnership with Helen Beltrame-Linné, former director of the Bergman Center in Fårö, we will take advantage of the opportunity that 2018 offers and share the work and legacy of this fantastic artist with new audiences.”

Helen Beltrame-Linné adds, “It is a great joy to take part in Bergman’s centenary celebrations at the invitation of the Swedish Embassy. Interest in the work of Bergman is immense in Brazil and we are able to travel with the show to all corners of the country thanks to important local partnerships.”

“In this national program, the Rio de Janeiro edition will highlight two previously unseen titles that will be part of the centennial world celebration: Margarethe von Trotta’s very personal feature at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival and the striking documentary by von Sydow about Gunnel Lindlbom, a key actress in Bergman’s filmography. ”

This is a great and rare opportunity for fans of arthouse cinema to see a classic Bergman film in full digital restoration.

What: Mostra Centenário Ingmar Bergman
When: Thursday, September 20th – Wednesday, September 26th; showing times vary
Where: Espaço Itaú de Cinema, Praia de Botafogo, 316 – Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22250-040
Entrance: Ticket prices vary; check event page for more information.