Semitchev – The dream of a better world

WINNER – BEST DIRECTION OF A FEATURED DOCUMENTARY – SOUTH CINEMATOGRAPHIC ACADEMY FILM & ARTS
WINNER – BEST FILM POSTER – PICASSO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
NOMINATED – BEST FILM – WORLD FILM FESTIVAL IN CANNES

A suggestive documentary about the creative genius Eugen Semitjov (1923–1987) and his fascinating background. Eugen was a celebrity in his day, a successful and innovative cartoonist, reporter, writer and illustrator with a speciality in space.

The documentary takes place in two parallel timelines: the future, where we get to see a grand vision of space created by Eugen, and the past, which begins with his father, Vladimir, struggling to survive as a refugee in a foreign country: Sweden.

It is a thought-provoking cinematic tapestry that spans beyond time and space, where the struggle and creativity of two generations are mirrored against humanity's greatest adventure ever: the conquest of space.

In 1923, the Semitjov family arrived in Sweden as refugees from the Soviet Union, without food or money. Father Vladimir, his heavily pregnant wife, their two sons and his elderly mother came to Stockholm, and there later that year their third son, Eugen, was born. Swedish culture would later receive a major boost from this immigrant family!

The father, Vladimir Semitjov, became an incredibly productive and appreciated short story writer and at the same time the most important Swedish science fiction writer of the interwar period. He also helped Mauritz Stiller to ignite one of the biggest stars of film ever: Greta Garbo!

The eldest son, Volodya Semitchov, served as a war correspondent during World War II, and later became a successful screenwriter. He wrote, among other things, the script for the Swedish feature film that has been seen by the most people globally of all time: She Danced One Summer , the film that coined the term “the Swedish sin.”

The youngest son, Eugen Semitjov, created the science fiction cartoon series in 1942. Allan Kämpe , which is still the most read Swedish adventure series internationally. He then became a space reporter and traveled around the world many times. He interviewed astronauts, cosmonauts and space scientists, he visited rocket bases, research laboratories and observatories – experiences that resulted in a multitude of original, imaginative and visionary newspaper articles, books and even television programs. In 1972, Eugen was awarded the prestigious Stora Journalistpriset.

Filmmaker Micke Engström has created a multifaceted feature documentary about Eugen Semitjov, one of his childhood idols. He previously made the documentary about horror artist Hans Arnold, another source of inspiration from his childhood ( Hans Arnold – Penselns Häxmästare , 2019).

IN Semitchev – The dream of a better world Several famous voices participate, including Stina Ekblad, Shebly Niavarani, Per Ragnar, Tomas Laustiola and Nina Stemme (several times named the world's best opera singer).