18/02/2005 - As it is in Heaven, Kay Pollak’s last work, received warm applause in Berlin. This film, full of emotions and designed to attract the wide-public, was chosen to represent the Swedish at Oscars

As it is in Heaven [+see also:
trailer
film profile], Kay Pollak’s last work, received warm applause in Berlin where it has just been presented in the section Berlinale Special.
This film, full of emotions and noble feelings and designed to attract the wide-public, was chosen to represent the Swedish at Academy Awards ® as Best foreign film.
Pollak manages to mix humour and melancholy to tell us with natural simplicity about destiny, about loving music and rediscovering life. His refreshing approach is emphasized by the picture enhancing the soft colours of a Scandinavian summer. The main character is a famous conductor who renounces concerts after a sudden illness and retires to his old village, where he starts leading the local choir.

As it is in Heaven is Pollak’s first film after 18 years of absence: ‘I needed to stay still all this time and solve personal issues. Then I wrote this film and met Per Nielsen, from the Swedish Film Institute. He was available and wished to finance my project.’.
The film was produced by GF Studios and Sonet Film AB, by K. Pollak Film, Filmpool Nord, SVT, Moviemakers Syd, Moviemakers Nord, Cinestar Rentals, and supported not only by the SFI, but also by Nordsik Film & TV Fond and the DFI - Danish Film Institute . National sales of As it is in Heaven depend on Sonet Film, and international sales are managed by Pathé Int'l UK.

(Translated from Italian)