Get out the camera, the cardboard, and the costumes—it’s time to gear up for Swede Fest 18!
The long-running local film event with the funny name will once again take over the Tower Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 2. As always, this will be an all-ages event that is FREE to the public and open to all, even if you don’t make a film. (Find details about the event here)
If you’re a filmmaker, or you want to be, Swede Fest submissions are due Monday, Nov. 26, at 11:59 p.m. That’s plenty of time to go through your list of favorite films, pick out a scene, and get your friends and family to re-enact it.
Why it’s called “Swede Fest”
If you’ve never heard of Swede Fest, an explanation is definitely in order. First of all, it has nothing at all to do with the quaint town of Kingsburg, if that’s what you’re thinking.
The name “Swede” and the idea of Sweding comes from the movie “Be Kind Rewind,” a 2008 film starring Jack Black and Mos Def. In the movie, they work at a video store (remember those?) and one day they accidentally erase all the videotapes.
The pair tries to reshoot each movie the best they can. They tell video renters that the films look different because they’re special editions from Sweden.
From this movie, the idea of Sweding films for fun was born. Amateur filmmakers recreate their favorite films (or scenes or trailers) with no budget using homemade sets and costumes—kinda like what you and your friends did back in 1989 when your dad brought home the family’s first video camera.
A brief history of Fresno’s Swede Fest
Swede Fest began in 2008 when two local moviemakers, Roque Rodriguez and Bryan Harley, put out the call for locally made Swedes. From its humble beginnings at art gallery Corridor 2122 in downtown Fresno, Swede Fest has grown exponentially, now filling the 700-seat Tower Theatre. (Events have also been held in Palm Beach and Tampa Bay, as well.)
Along the way, its creators have made names for themselves in the Sweding world (as well as a galaxy far, far away). Rodriguez and Harley are known for being a bit extra with their own Swedes, which they post under the name Dumb Drum.
They use cardboard and homemade costumes like everyone else, but their shot-for-shot level of detail sets them apart from the average Sweder. Check out this side-by-side comparison of their Star Wars: The Force Awakens Swede with the official trailer for the film.
Yes, that’s the Dumb Drum crew doing all the music, dialogue, and sound effects. Nice, right?
Their efforts on this Swede garnered Rodriguez and Harley, as well as actors Brandon Jackson and Kia Vassiliades, a trip to Good Morning America where they got to meet Star Wars stars John Boyega and Daisy Ridley. Not too shabby for a couple of local boys with a camera, some cardboard, and a dream!
What you need to know to Swede
As I said above, you don’t have to create a Swede to go to Swede Fest. Anyone can attend, including kids!
You should also know that not every Swede ends with an invitation to Good Morning America. Still, it’s a lot of fun and worth getting your friends together for a weekend to put on some costumes and act silly. I know this from experience, having made a number of Swedes for Swede Fest myself.
So here’s the thing: if I can do this, so can you. The rules per the Swede Fest site are quite simple:
- Keep it under 4 minutes.
- Keep it friendly for all ages. You can swede R-rated movies like “Pulp Fiction,” just find creative ways to get around things like violence, adult language, and nudity.
- Embrace the amateur nature of Sweding. Opt to use objects you have around the house rather than spending a lot of money. The real creative genius comes from how your personality and sense of humor shine through. Make these films your own and have fun.
And that’s that. If you’d like some inspiration, check out this collection of Swedes I put together ahead of last year’s event. And click here for a link to last year’s submitted Swedes.
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FresYes Realty is a sponsor of Swede Fest. Because it is cool.
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