Pernilla Allwin

As children in the loving Ekdahl family, Fanny and Alexander enjoy a happy life with their parents, who run a theater company. After their father dies unexpectedly, however, the siblings end up in a joyless home when their mother, Emilie, marries a stern bishop. The bleak situation gradually grows worse as the bishop becomes more controlling, but dedicated relatives make a valiant attempt to aid Emilie, Fanny and Alexander.

Shot during the making of Fanny and Alexander, this feature-length documentary presents extended behind-the-scenes material from rehearsals and filming sessions, with Bergman at work staging scenes and directing performances. The film focuses on the practical process of production, including collaboration with the principal cast and key crew members such as cinematographer Sven Nykvist and on-set documentarian Arne Carlsson.

A quick overview of Swedish film history, featuring a breathtaking cavalry of scenes from about 170 films.