Mauritz Stiller’s dramatic “Gunnar Hede’s saga” (1923), Georg af Klercker’s explosive adventure film “The Prisoner at Karlsten’s Fortress” (1916) and Erik Bergström’s “Med ackja och ren i Inka Läntas vinterland” (1926) with new music by Lotta Hasselquist Nilsson.
This trio of silent films are the latest in a series that have been restored digitally by the Swedish Film Institute (SFI) according to all the rules of art. “Gunnar Hede’s saga” is considered one of the treasures from the Swedish golden age. A drama classic based on Selma Lagerlöf’s “A manor legend” and revolves around love, artist dreams, madness and parental rebellion. The film has also been provided with newly written music by Matti Bye.
– “Gunnar Hede’s saga” is a forgotten jewel from Swedish film history. The film has been a favorite of mine since the first time I saw it and I am therefore extra happy that I was asked to write music for it, says pianist and silent film composer Matti Bye.
The restorations are part of SFI’s work to digitize the Swedish film heritage. There are already five films to watch for free on Filmarkivet.se – Mauritz Stiller’s “Vingarne” (1916) and “Balettprimadonnan” (1916), Per Lindbergs “Norrtullsligan” (1923), Ivan Hedqvist’s “Dunungen (1919), and” Thora van The Blanket ”(1920) by John W. Brunius.
Watch all the movies here.