Podtalk: Lena Olin & Tora Hallström Appearance to Open Chicago EU Film Fest on March 1, 2023

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CHICAGO – The European Union Film Festival is an annual happening at Chicago’s Gene Siskel Film Center, and will take place in 2023 from March 1st-31st. Kicking off the Fest will be an appearance from actors Lena Olin and Tora Hallström.

Both are featured in the film “Hilma,” directed by Lasse Hallström (“Chocolat”), Tora’s father and Lena’s husband. The Opening Night event (6pm at the Siskel Center) on March 1st, 2023, will feature the appearances, the Chicago premiere of “Hilma” and a reception afterward hosted by the Honorary Consulate of Sweden. For Opening Night tickets and information, click EU FEST OPENING NIGHT.

’Hilma’ Opens the CEUFF on March 1st, 2023
Photo credit: Juno Films

“Hilma” is a cinematically artistic biography of Swedish painter Hilma af Klint (portrayed younger by Tora Hallström and in middle age by Lena Olin). Hilma died in 1944, unknown and unrecognized as the woman who invented abstract painting and as a prime mover of the Modernism movement. From her invincible belief in spirits, to her unconventional romantic life and close circle of fellow female artists who converged around her, “Hilma” is a vivid biography of a woman who chose to remain true to her vision as an artist, despite working in a world where women were under patriarchal judgement. It is director Lasse Hallström’s 27th feature film and is a family affair, as Lena Olin is his wife and Tora Hallström is their daughter.

Lena Olin was one of the hottest actors during an era she made her international breakthrough with “The Unbearable Lightness of Being” in 1988, after a distinguished early career in Swedish cinema as an Ingmar Bergman protege. Her follow up during that era was “Enemies, A Love Story” (1989, Oscar nominated for Best Supporting Actress), “Havana” (1990), “The Ninth Gate (1999) and “Chocolat” (2000, directed by Lasse Hallström). Her post millennium work includes “The Reader” (2008) and “Adam” (2020), including a well-received stint on the TV series “Alias.” Daughter Tora is re-emerging as an actor, after a ten year hiatus.

The Gene Siskel Center Center presents the 26th Chicago European Union Film Festival (CEUFF) from March 1st-31st, 2023. The fest will showcase 24 new films from 23 EU nations and Academy Award submissions from eight countries. Showcase performances include Willem Dafoe in “Inside,” and Penelope Cruz in “L’Immensita.” For complete information and tickets, click 26th CEUFF.

In PART ONE a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, the mother/daughter who portray the title character in “Hilma,” Lena Olin and Tora Hallström, talk character and atmosphere …

In PART TWO Lena Olin talks about her career path and Ingmar Bergman, Tora reflects again on Hilma and both talk about working with Dad and Hubby on a film …

Trailer for “Hilma” …

By PATRICK McDONALD Editor and Film Critic/Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com