Hour of the Wolf
Remote and mysterious, whether hostile or enticing, infernal microcosms or dreamed worlds, islands have long captivated the imaginations of filmmakers. By their very isolated nature, they often serve as metaphoric or literal settings of loss and introspection, inviting exploration and oblivion. Enclosed by water, they provide ideal backdrops for intimate dramas and intense adventures, their geography shaping the narrative. As many real-world islands face existential threats, we invite you to explore a few fictional isles where cinema has found its enchanting refuge along the shore.
The painter Johan settles with his wife Alma on an island cut off from the world. Johan, plagued by insomnia, tells his wife about the nocturnal visions that haunt him, particularly during the “hour of the wolf”. One day, a mysterious old lady prompts Alma to open Johan's diary. There she discovers other facets of her husband's demons, and begins to fear losing him.
Ingmar Bergman
Born in 1918 in Uppsala, Sweden, Ingmar Bergman grew up in a strict Lutheran household. Cinema became a refuge for him, offering solace from his father's austere upbringing as a pastor. He pursued studies in history, literature, and theater, eventually embarking on a career in theater before transitioning to film. He began writing screenplays for Svensk Filmindustri. Starting with Crisis in 1946, he ventured into directing his own films. By the mid-1950s, works like The Seventh Seal and Wild Strawberries earned him international acclaim. In 1986, with the production of Fanny and Alexander, Bergman decided to end his illustrious career as a filmmaker for the big screen. However, he remained active in theater and television filmmaking until Sarabande in 2004. In his later years, he retired to the island of Fårö, a place deeply intertwined with his cinematic legacy and personal history.
