I think that sibling relationships affect us more than we think. It's often the longest relationship in life. Longer than the one you have with your parents, says documentary filmmaker Johanna Bernhardson.
With the documentary "The Andersson Brothers", she wanted to encourage her father Leif and her uncles Roy, Ronny, and Kjell to meet.
The brothers grew up together in the folkhemmet Göteborg under simple circumstances. Roy Andersson later became a prize-winning director of films such as "Songs from the Second Floor" and "You, the Living".
In great contrast, his brother Ronny became a homeless addict. Kjell was a Super 8 enthusiast, but never got to know what his older brother thought of his work. Johanna Bernhardson's father Leif was left-wing politically active, a long-distance runner, and has in his old age been afflicted with MS.
"Sibling relationships can be difficult"
The brothers have had very little contact over the years. When the film begins, they haven't spoken in ten years. After having children herself, Johanna Bernhardson felt extra motivated to try to change that.
Why haven't the brothers wanted to meet?
It's not something dramatic that has happened. Sibling relationships can be quite difficult. Things that happen in the present can have echoes from something that happened very long ago. But I think primarily that it was due to a lack of initiative, says Johanna Bernhardson.
In "The Andersson Brothers", she remembers how her grandmother was the brothers' gathering point before her death. Now Bernhardson realizes that the same responsibility has fallen on her.
Like with all relationships, you have to make an effort and nurture them. It's probably something that women often have to do, says Johanna Bernhardson.
Quit drinking
She sees great similarities between the brothers despite their very different lives. Their humor, left-wing political conviction, and relationship to alcohol are recurring in everyone's life. Bernhardson tells early in the film that she herself has stopped drinking.
I think there's an inheritance there that you should be a little extra careful with. Whether it's social or genetic or both. Then it felt right to break it, says Johanna Bernhardson.
Is there a message in the film?
Call your brother. If you've lost a relationship you want, or have a relationship that's bothering you and think "I'll take care of it later" – take care of it now, before it's too late.
Director: Johanna Bernhardson
Participants: Roy Andersson, Kjell Andersson, Ronny Andersson, Leif Andersson.
Premiere: August 23
