Viaplay Content Distribution has sold “A Life’s Worth” to Spain (EITB) and Greece (Vodafone) ahead of its Series Mania premiere in its International Panorama.
The six-episode drama, directed by Ahmed Abdullahi, is inspired by the challenges faced by the first Swedish U.N. battalion, sent to Bosnia in 1993.
Produced by Yellowbird in co-production with Viaplay and Arte France, “A Life’s Worth” has also licensed to Arte for France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg and Austria; Viaplay holds other world rights.
“Swedish soldiers didn’t have to go there: they volunteered. Some needed a job, others hoped for an adventure. So many of them didn’t even know what that war was about. They got more than they asked for,” said Mona Masri, who co-wrote the show with Oliver Dixon.
“The UN is a peacekeeping force. I read somewhere that many weapons weren’t functioning, because they weren’t supposed to be used. Then they realized people were being slaughtered.”
Inspired by the same-titled book by U.N. soldier Magnus Ernström – who served as the show’s consultant – it needed to “feel true” to those who’ve experienced war, she admits. And express their feeling of helplessness.
“Quo Vadis, Aida?’ [Jasmila Žbanić’s drama about the Srebrenica massacre] showed this very well: people weren’t allowed to do anything. The colonel in our show was inspired by a real person who wasn’t allowed to use force while protecting civilians. He argued that you can’t talk to someone holding a gun: you have to respond in the same language.”
While Sweden has a big migrant community from the Balkans, it’s crucial to remind people about the Bosnian War, argued Masri.
“When Russia invaded Ukraine, some said: ‘It’s the first war in Europe since WWII.’ But what about the Balkans? It’s a forgotten conflict. I didn’t want to use it as a background for a ‘Swedish story,’ even though it’s a Swedish series.”
Johan Rheborg, cast as the controversial colonel, remembered the events portrayed in the show.
“I had a few friends who actually went there. But people didn’t talk about our participation and for politicians, it was dangerous to admit they sent Swedes to war. These kids, who came there as U.N. soldiers… I don’t know if they expected to end up in such severe situations. I really don’t think so.”
According to his co-star Erik Enge, young fighters wanted to “make a difference.”
“That’s why they were there. As to how to achieve it, well, that’s another question. They weren’t trained soldiers; they didn’t know how to handle danger. In the series, they look at each other, thinking: ‘What do we do now’?!”
Edvin Ryding, Maxwell Cunningham, Toni Prince, Sandra Stojiljković and Johannes Bah Kuhnke round out the cast.
While “A Life’s Worth” could be seen as “provocative” at home, said Rheborg, Swedish attitude towards war and military conflicts has changed. On March 7, 2024, it became a member of NATO.
“Back then, Sweden was very egotistical and minding its own business. We didn’t think we were ever going to be involved in another war. Now, all the money goes to the military. It’ll be interesting to see how it’s perceived today.”
Enge agreed: “When this happened, Sweden was still very proud of being neutral. It was a complex war. But one of the reasons to send UN soldiers [to Bosnia] was because Sweden wanted to show we can be a part of this community that is Europe. It was the first step.”
For Enge, respecting real-life events was “more important than trying to entertain an audience.” Still, as noted by Masri, stories about armed conflicts aren’t just about killing.
“It’s also about trying to buy bread or wanting to get married. Life goes on. It’s amazing how quickly we adapt,” she said, ultimately allowing for some lighter scenes between the characters.
“The best way to handle trauma and all these brutal things you’re seeing is through humor. We needed to allow these characters and the viewers to take a breather,” said Enge, with Rheborg recalling his own experiences.
“When you’re under pressure and have a lot of anxiety, you seek normality. That was my experience in Thailand, during a tsunami. After it was over, we were sitting on a hotel deck. Everybody was quiet. Suddenly, someone said: ‘Anybody care for a swim?’ We all started laughing. No matter what happens, you want to laugh.”
He added: “These characters are not the judges of what’s right and wrong. The only thing they know is that a crime against innocent people is a crime – whoever commits it. They are trying to find some decency in the chaos.”