NOR26: Ådalen 31

Ådalen 31 stands as one of Bo Widerberg's most overtly political films, drawing on the true events of a 1931 labour strike to craft a story that resonates far beyond its historical moment. Set in the industrial heartland of northern Sweden, the film follows a peaceful workers' demonstration that spirals into tragedy, ultimately igniting a nationwide general strike.

Against this turbulent backdrop, a young man named Kjell (Peter Schildt) navigates the defining trials of adolescence, sacrifice and sorrow, first love and bitter loss, all shaped by the shockwaves of collective violence.

Reuniting with Elvira Madigan cinematographer Jörgen Persson, whose luminous widescreen photography bathes each frame in warmth and light, Widerberg weaves together a passionate chronicle of working-class resistance and a tender coming-of-age story producing a vision of the past that pulses with immediacy.

Awards & Festivals

WINNER - Grand Prize of the Jury, Cannes Film Festival 1969
WINNER - Best Direction, Best Actor, Guldbagge Awards 1969
NOMINEE - Best Foreign Language Film, Academy Awards 1970
NOMINEE - Best Foreign-Language Foreign Film, Golden Globes 1970

1969 | Sweden
Swedish with English subtitles