Exploring Themes of Loss and Resilience: A Look at the Documentary "Once You Shall Be One of Those Who Lived Long Ago"
The poignant themes of loss, change, home, and the fleeting essence of life are brought to life in the captivating documentary "Once You Shall Be One of Those Who Lived Long Ago." Directed by Swedish filmmakers Alexander Rynéus and Per Bifrost, this film will make its world premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival on Sunday, marking it as the only documentary featured in the competition of the festival’s 78th edition.
Set against the backdrop of Malmberget, a town in northern Sweden, the film delves into what remains when a place disappears—not just in a physical sense, but emotionally and culturally as well. Malmberget is home to one of the largest underground iron ore mines globally, and as the town is dismantled piece by piece, it leaves behind boarded windows, shattered homes, and desolate streets. Yet, amid this decay, life persists, quietly adapting as nature reclaims the land.
The film poignantly captures the last days of Malmberget through the eyes of its remaining residents, who cling to their sense of home even as the ground beneath them crumbles. “In a small mining town in northern Sweden, we witness a melancholic, humorous, and sometimes absurd last epoch of a place,” the synopsis reveals. Beneath the fading streets lies the iron ore mine—an engine of both prosperity and inevitable disappearance.
Having begun their connection with Malmberget in 2013 through the hour-long TV film "Malmberget – The Home and the Cavity," Rynéus and Bifrost have returned to document the town’s decline, culminating in this feature film. In an exclusive interview with THR, they shared their motivations for revisiting Malmberget and the film’s exploration of mortality.
Bifrost reflects, “We grew up in a region with many closed mines. Malmberget, though 1,000 kilometers away, felt like a second home—a place on the brink of vanishing.” Rynéus adds, “When we researched the town, we discovered that mining significantly impacts people’s sleep. The human experience of living above such a vast underground mine deeply resonated with us, prompting us to capture the mood of the area.”
"Once You Shall Be One of Those Who Lived Long Ago" employs a cinéma vérité approach, showcasing locals in their everyday lives. Bifrost describes it as a collaboration with the community: “Over time, we’ve formed close relationships with the people of Malmberget—more so than with those in our hometown.” Rynéus concurs, noting the deep connections fostered through years of filming and personal interactions.
Initially, their previous films focused on more overt conflicts, but as their relationship with the community deepened, they began to notice a spirit of resilience amid the decay. “The film reflects that mood,” Rynéus explains. They emphasize the importance of time in their documentary process, allowing them to capture personal stories from multiple perspectives. “Ultimately, it’s about how people cope with loss,” Bifrost adds.
As Bifrost elaborates on the current state of Malmberget, he highlights the ongoing conflicts surrounding the church and the town’s gradual disappearance. Their earlier film addressed potential solutions, while this new documentary seeks to understand the ramifications of loss when all options are stripped away. “It captures the final epoch of a town in the process of demolition,” he states.
When asked if they would return to Malmberget for future projects, Rynéus reflects, “After 15 years of documenting this place, we felt this film would be our conclusion. However, we’re considering a future project that could focus on nature and wildlife.”
The documentary also illustrates the complex emotions surrounding the mining industry. Rynéus notes, “Residents harbor strong feelings toward the mining company while acknowledging that the town was built because of it. It’s a nuanced perspective.” Bifrost adds, “The film ultimately speaks to the theme of acceptance—much like life and death, we must come to terms with our time on Earth.”
Looking ahead, Rynéus reveals their next project will explore faith in Sweden, often cited as one of the most secular nations. They plan to film in rural churches, which are frequently empty but can fill up during significant community events.
The title "Once You Shall Be One of Those Who Lived Long Ago" comes from a poem by Swedish poet Pär Lagerkvist, which encapsulates the film’s essence. Rynéus shares, “We both loved that line. It perfectly reflects the story we aim to tell.” Bifrost concludes, “Malmberget symbolizes the universal narrative of places that are disappearing, underscoring the timeless themes we wish to highlight.”
In summary, this documentary serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of life and the enduring spirit of communities facing change. "Once You Shall Be One of Those Who Lived Long Ago" invites viewers to reflect on their own connections to home, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.
