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First, the Recap:
There’s a notion that should bear deep and relevant meaning in this world, even as it is so desperately needed during times such as these when it seems chaos controls so many thoughts, actions, and attitudes–the bonds of true, abiding friendship can eclipse it all, bringing about a serenity of soul and a happiness like no other when we’re willing to overcome any and all obstacles most might see in their way, crossing borders, thousands of miles, and what would seem to be on the surface totally separate customs, traditions, lifestyles, and heritage. Yes, so many mountains to climb when it comes to making attempts to relate to other people from different worlds, thinking we’re safer staying within our own comforts.
Yet, it is now revealed there are those who instead seek to absolutely, unequivocally, unapologetically, wholeheartedly pursue the value, comraderie, joy, and healing nature of what fellowship that will last a lifetime provides, and they do this every 5 years via visiting each other’s countries so as to illustrate the depth of commitment and appreciation of mutually shared devotion they’ve gained for one another over time, a companionship forged between two cities, in two far away countries, who’ve found a shared love of all things Swedish. As of October 2017, it has been a total of 30 years two towns have celebrated becoming sister cities and the time has arrived for a group from the “parent” country to visit their beloved counterparts. This is their story.
Next, my Mind:
From the start, it would seem a complete enigma as to how two so entirely unique societies would find a point of union that would last for thirty years and never lose its luster. Yet, for the citizens of Leksand, Sweden and their sister city of Tobetsu in Hokkaido, Japan, it is no surprise and shows no sign that the pleasure and joy they receive from the relationship developed through those three decades is going to fade anytime soon, a portrait of evocative connection and deep personal amity presented so deftly thanks to this 24-minute heartfelt, touching, warm feelings all around documentary short from director Hanna Wallin, screening at the 2019 High Coast Film Festival sponsored by and/or in association with Illambra, Kramfors Kommun, Film Vasternorrland, Europeiska Unionen, Region Vasternorrland, Lansstyrelsen Vasternorrland, and NBV. Harboring an unconventional and totally endearing attachment and, dare we say, borderline idolization of the Swedish culture, specifically the town of Leksand, the residents of Tobetsu have cherished every possible means by which to express this attraction, complete with the village itself being a spot-on image of Swedish housing while then choosing to make it a point to celebrate holidays, food, music, and any other facet of Swedish life they can, pining for the day when their friends are coming to visit them, five long years of waiting to embrace, smile with, and enjoy an all-too-brief time together.
The film’s visual approach paired with the literal wonder of gorgeous countryside vistas that truly transport one to Sweden (even though we’re actually in Japan!), the pacing here is perfection as we come right along for the ride through the interviews and accompanying footage that follows, for instance, Sakamoto Chizuru, a Tobetsu native who is more than playfully yet very firmly enthusiastic about all the elements of Swedish ways her home represents, complete with flags, tunes, foods, and other reminders that this particular year (2017 as indicated above) is the time she’s been longer for so as to see a particular friend from Leksand whom she has a strong bond with. There is the point of view of Masaki Miyaji, the current Mayor of Tobetsu, who excitedly and proudly advises about the fact that even all the homes found in Tobetsu are made and imported from Leksand, while like Sakamoto relishing the thought of the sixty soon to be arriving visitors from Leksand being so close. Perhaps it is the perspective of Sato, the Management Director of Tomoku Hus AB located in Insjon, Sweden who exports 80% of their company’s products to Japan as house components.
When the moment itself comes and the travelers from Leksand appear at the appointed venue after their long journey from Sweden, it becomes such an amazing showcasing of jubilation as these friends, young and old, reunite for several days of activities and mutual acknowledgement of the primary country they all celebrate together. Spanning art, fashion, music, exchanges of language, and the all in good fun but fiercely competitive rounds of Park Golf played, there’s really a symbiosis of worlds shown that underscores the grander overall intent and purpose of the gathering. What makes documentary film so effective is the fact that’s it’s real, it’s grounded, it’s a truth being shown that can speak so acutely and profoundly to us as inhabitants of this Earth and bring us a sense of renewed hope that when we focus with passion and willingness to see beyond the divides that seem to constantly become stumbling blocks to interacting with each other, there’s where we find that much needed link, that engagement which can soothe troubled lives and deliver that realization of solidarity and shared gratitude so readily available yet so often missed altogether because of all we are distracted by.
Add to all of the film’s beautifully orchestrated visual appeal and delightful interviews the accompanying music score by Tom Wikelid and Bave Amin which mirrors the myriad of emotions being experienced by all involved in this story of kindhearted transparency and unflinching fidelity to a common love. In total, “Friends From Leksand” affords us a harmonious crossing over of cultures, to see how others live while being able to appreciate the beauty of diversity found in the gift that is humanity, emotional, tangible, and grounded in the fact that we all CAN actually get long. May we learn from this stirring example of what a blessed world we inhabit.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
