THE SUBSTITUTE

World Premiere

The unruly kids at the Hallongberg School in Sweden are out of control. Max, the young new teacher, can't get his class in line, and he has no support from other teachers or school staff. So, he does what many others would do in his situation: he brings in Folke, his mentor, whose throwback teaching philosophies and formidable presence can teach the kids a couple of lessons. Oh, and by the way, Folke just happens to hold the world record for speaking backwards. Ytterp teews.

The story presents two teaching styles in stark contrast with one another-the hands on, personable approach that Max takes, and the more traditionally authoritative approach of his old-school mentor. However, the real stars of the film are not the teachers, but rather the students whom we observe transforming in equally compelling but distinct ways under the care of both extraordinarily committed and thoughtful teachers.

THE SUBSTITUTE is a moving and engaging film. Getting to know these kids, most of whom are from immigrant families, is touching-as is seeing them respond to and return Folke's respect for them. It's refreshing to see teachers who genuinely care about the students and the education system, even when that system is so corrupt that it sometimes weeds out the good ones.

-Brian Ambrose

Sponsored by
The Swedish Film Institute

DIRECTOR BIOS
Åsa Blanck was born in 1970 and works as a director and producer. Prior to THE SUBSTITUTE, Blanck and Johan Palmgren collaborated on the 2003 documentary EBBA AND TORGNY OCH KÄRLEKENS VILLOVÄGAR.

Johan Palmgren, born in 1967, is a Swedish photographer and director. His films include the 2006 documentary EBBA AND TORGNY OCH KÄRLEKENS VILLOVÄGAR.

Print Source:
Sara Yamashita Ruster, Swedish Film Institute
P.O. Box 27126
Borgvagen 1-5
Stockholm, SE-102 52
Sweden
+46.8.665.1141
sara.ruster@sfi.se

6/18 at 2:30 PM

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