Nattåget AKA The Night Train (Jerry Carlsson, 2020) Sweden

The Night Train (Nattåget) - Overview

The Night Train (original title: Nattåget) is a 2020 short film directed by Jerry Carlsson, running for approximately 15 minutes. The film centers on Oskar, who is traveling home on a night train after an interview in Stockholm. During his journey, he locks eyes with Ahmad, leading to a profound moment of connection that explores themes of desire and human connection.

Plot Summary
The narrative unfolds as Oskar finds himself in a contemplative state during the long train ride. His chance encounter with Ahmad ignites a silent yet intense exchange of glances, symbolizing a mutual attraction and longing. This fleeting interaction is artfully depicted through sound design that blends the rhythmic clatter of the train with evocative heartbeats, enhancing the emotional depth of their connection. The film captures the essence of transient moments that can significantly impact one's life.

Production Details
Director: Jerry Carlsson
Production Companies: Verket Produktion, Sveriges Television, Filmpool Nord
Screenplay: Jerry Carlsson
Cinematography: Marcus Dineen
Editing: Anton Hemgren and Jerry Carlsson
Sound Design: Manne Kjellander

The film features a cast including Erik Nilsson as Oskar and Khalil Ben Gharbia as Ahmad. It was produced with an estimated budget of SEK 965,000 and is notable for its use of multiple languages, including Swedish, French, and English.

Reception and Awards
The Night Train has been well-received, achieving an IMDb rating of 7.2/10 and garnering several accolades. It has won five awards and received eight nominations at various film festivals, highlighting its impact within the short film circuit.

Director's Background
Jerry Carlsson is recognized for his contributions to independent filmmaking, having graduated from Valand Academy in 2014. He has directed several award-winning short films that have been showcased at prestigious festivals such as Locarno and Tribeca. Carlsson co-founded the production company Verket Produktion and has been involved in various creative projects that reflect his artistic vision.

In summary, The Night Train stands out as a poignant exploration of human connection through the lens of a brief encounter on a train, skillfully crafted by Jerry Carlsson.