When we say the Scandinavian sense of humor, we think of him. Roy Andersson is without doubt one of the most original European directors, and the style of his bittersweet comedies combined with dramas like his Songs from the Second Floor is recognizable at first glance. The last feature film by Andersson, A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence, won the Golden Lion for best film at 72. IFF in Venice.

Between 1975-1999 Andersson created mainly advertising films of Air France, Lotto, Volvo, Citroën among others. Roy Andersson made his first advertising film for Mum as early as 1969. Since then he has directed more than 300 advertising films throughout the world, several of them award-winning. Some examples: Gevalia&Trygg Hansa (1970’s); Fazer, Estrella&Lotto (1980’s), Arla, Air France&Citroen (1990’s); Posten, Felix&Aftonbladet (2000’s). His ‘filmography’ includes social spots, which provocative form caused as much enthusiasm as disapproving. It is amazing that even at such particular, often only few seconds long miniatures on order, Andersson managed to remain faithful to his own sad grotesque aesthetics, which we can see clearly in the most recent full-length movies by Swede. Andersson’s ads are like sketches, which, while retaining the main features of the final work, can be distinguished by additional exceptional subtlety and, what is rare in the case of commercials, not intrusive information. IFF Etiuda & Anima will show the choice of the rich collection from the years 1977-2014.

Commercials by Roy Andersson

Rotunda (large screening room)
28th November (Saturday), 6.30 pm.