Stig Björkman

Stig Björkman (born 2 October 1938) is a renowned Swedish writer, film critic, and director whose career has spanned more than six decades. He began his professional activity in the early 1960s, publishing essays and critiques that quickly established him as one of the most insightful voices in Scandinavian cinema, and he has also been a prolific essayist, contributing to major Swedish newspapers and international film journals while serving as a jury member at prestigious festivals such as Cannes and Berlin. In 1964 he made his directorial debut, and over the following years he directed fifteen feature‑length films, ranging from experimental dramas to documentary portraits. His 1972 film Georgia, Georgia earned a place in the 23rd Berlin International Film Festival, signaling his growing reputation on the international festival circuit, while The White Wall (1975) was selected for the 9th Moscow International Film Festival, further cementing his status as a filmmaker of note. Beyond his work behind the camera, Björkman has authored a substantial body of literary work, most famously Bergman on Bergman: Interviews with Ingmar Bergman (1970), which remains a cornerstone for scholars studying the master director. He continued to explore the art of conversation with other cinematic figures, producing Woody Allen on Woody Allen (2005) and Trier on von Trier (1999), each offering rare insight into the creative processes of these iconic auteurs. In 2015 he turned his attention to the legendary actress Ingrid Bergman, directing the documentary Ingrid Bergman: In Her Own Words, which was featured in the Cannes Classics section of the Cannes Film Festival, demonstrating his skill at blending archival material with contemporary narrative techniques. Most recently, his 2023 documentary Joyce Carol Oates: A Body in the Service of Mind showcases his enduring interest in literary personalities, confirming his unique ability to bridge film and literature. Throughout his career Björkman has been praised for his meticulous interview style, his profound understanding of film history, and his commitment to preserving the voices of artists for future generations. His contributions have not only enriched Swedish cultural heritage but have also provided invaluable resources for scholars, critics, and cinephiles worldwide, making him a pivotal figure in the documentation and critique of modern cinema.