Otto Fahlgren plays the role of Konrad in the Norwegian blockbuster ”The Riot”.
”The Riot” (original title ”Sulis 1907”, Swedish title ”Upproret”) tells the story of the struggle against oppression in the mining town of Sulitjelma, known as Sulis, in the early 1900s. It shows how the miners united in a rebellion against the mining company and its leader, Wennstrøm.
The movie is based on actual events from Norway's second largest workplace, where the mining company held power and the workers endured harsh conditions in the mines, often referred to as the Wild West of the Nordic countries. The mines were located high in the Arctic mountains, and the place itself was colloquially known as "Lappland's Hell".
Skellefteå native Otto Fahlgren stars in this lavish historical action drama. Many Swedes and newcomers know him from the brilliant TV drama "Björnstad", where he played Benji Ovich (if you haven't seen "Björnstad" it yet, it's a must-watch for all Norrland newbies: it comes with subtitles on Viaplay).
But now he takes on the lead role in the Norwegian blockbuster ”The Riot”, also known internationally as "The Riot". The person responsible for casting him as Konrad was former Älvsbyn resident and photographer Anders Bohman.
– We had auditioned actors from Stockholm and elsewhere, but the role required a genuine northern dialect and strong physicality, and Otto immediately came to mind.
Bohman had noticed Otto Fahlgren when watching "Björnstad". When the film crew couldn't find what they were looking for, he traveled to Skellefteå and shot a few scenes with the young actor who had made a strong impression on him.
– Otto is unique in the sense that he has both the physicality and the acting ability. Whether he needs to be tough or humble, he does it all genuinely.
Anders Bohman, the film's photographer, was impressed by Otto Fahlgren while watching the TV series "Björnstad."
The producers were impressed with what Anders Bohman showed them and decided to have Otto Fahlgren audition for the part, along with the other potential actors in the movie. However, Otto Fahlgren himself wasn't quite aware of the role he was about to get.
– But when I later found out that Nils Gaup was the director, I understood that this must be an important movie. I know I thought several times, 'What have I done to deserve this? Otto Fahlgren told Norran during filming.
"The Riot" tells the story of the struggle against oppression in the mining town of Sulitjelma, known as Sulis, in the early 1900s.
Bohman, who is also the photographer for "Sulis", is very pleased with what he has seen of Otto Fahlgren through the camera lens.
– He is a rising star and a person who is a pleasure to work with. I have so many examples of how special he is. For example, when it came to working in the mine, Otto showed how it should be done. The Norwegian actors had to work hard physically to keep up with his pace, says Bohman with a smile.
Fact box
”The Riot” was filmed in the northernmost parts of Norway and will premiere on October 5, 2023.
Some parts of this interview with Otto Fahlgren were conducted by David Ekström during the filming of the movie.