Beneath the Pavement, the Beach

• Henrik Hellström
• 76 min
• Sweden
• 2024
• Fiction

Role-playing and multiple narrative layers are interwoven in a complex and philosophical film about learning, life perspectives, and facing profound changes.

Henrik Hellström (Burrowing, GFF 2009, The Quiet Roar, GFF 2014) centers the plot of his new film around a man, Tott, who leaves the academic world to live a secluded life. As a father to two sons, he raises them single-handedly, developing a pedagogy that imparts knowledge and awareness of the world by engaging them in various role-plays. Now elderly, with his sons grown, Tott convenes them for one final, decisive game. Three characters: Lars, Mario, and Amanda are each faced with tumultuous trials as the sons reflect on their actions. Under the Sidewalk - the Beach is an exploratory film with a playful tone and a story that unfolds across multiple layers.

- Tobias Åkesson

• Världspremiär
• Uppbrott
• Drama
• Familj
• Uppväxt