Almost Forever: A Cinematic Journey Through Teenage Life in Stockholm
Almost Forever is a new documentary film by directors Lia Hietala and Hannah Reinikainen that captures the coming of age journey of teenagers in Stockholm, Sweden. The film, premiering at the 23rd edition of CPH:DOX in Copenhagen, follows the lives of teenagers Jasmine and Philip over five transformative years. Set against the backdrop of a diverse group of friends in Stockholm, the story begins in the carefree summer of 2020, where social barriers fade away, allowing them to be themselves.
The documentary explores themes of identity, friendship, love, belonging, and healing as the teenagers navigate challenges and new experiences. Philip, the youngest sibling with four older sisters, is a jokester, while Jasmine, a romantic with anxiety, grapples with her absent father in Portugal. As they grow into adolescence, they face conflicts and tests of loyalty and friendship.
Produced by Melissa Lindgren for Story in Sweden and co-produced by Marianne Mäkelä for napafilms in Finland, Almost Forever has received support from various film institutions. The film was created in association with VGTV and has been supported by the Swedish Film Institute, the Finnish Film Foundation, Nordisk Film & TV, AVEK, The Creative Europe Media Program, and the Swedish Arts Grants Committee.
The filmmakers, Hietala and Reinikainen, emphasize the importance of giving the protagonists ownership of their stories. Each teenager had their own camera, allowing them to share their perspectives alongside the filmmakers' cinéma vérité filming and in-depth interviews. This approach creates an intimate narrative where the protagonists decide how they want to represent themselves.
Almost Forever portrays a generation growing up in a time of global uncertainty, marked by the climate crisis, fears of war, and an online culture that magnifies both the individual and collective gaze. The film serves as both a portrait and a mirror, reflecting the experiences and challenges faced by today's youth as they navigate the complexities of adolescence.
Through encounters with a new generation coming of age, Almost Forever captures the energy, diversity, and freedom of movement of teenagers in Stockholm. The film delves into the personal and universal aspects of youth, exploring themes of friendship, love, class, ethnicity, dreams, anxiety, and the impact of trauma. It offers a glimpse into the awkwardness and intensity of growing up in a world dominated by social media.
Almost Forever is a poignant and insightful exploration of adolescence, offering a mix of playful moments and darker reflections on the challenges of youth. The film invites viewers to witness the journey of Jasmine and Philip as they navigate the complexities of growing up in a changing world.