Paragraph 1: A Classroom Transformed into a Film Set
The mundane routine of Gränbyskolan in Uppsala was disrupted one sunny morning as a film crew from Utbildningsradion (UR), Sweden’s public service educational broadcaster, took over a ninth-grade classroom. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting striped patterns across the desks, while the muffled sounds of teenage chatter and a teacher’s attempts to restore order echoed from the hallway. Amidst this typical school atmosphere, a scene was being filmed for a new, as-yet-untitled drama series exploring themes of crime, punishment, and religion. The scene focused on 15-year-old Selma, who had been robbed of her new designer bag, and her dilemma of whether to report the crime.
Paragraph 2: The Scene and its Significance
The scene being filmed showed Selma lingering after class to ask her teacher a pointed question about the legal consequences of strangulation. Director Sam Safinia meticulously guided the young actress, Emmanuel Nylander, encouraging her to portray Selma’s inner turmoil and apprehension. This particular scene served as a pivotal moment in the series, showcasing the emotional impact of the crime on Selma. The classroom, filled with students acting as extras, provided an authentic backdrop, further enhancing the realism of the scene. This realism was a crucial element of UR’s strategy to engage young viewers with complex legal and ethical issues.
Paragraph 3: UR’s New Approach to Educational Programming
The drama series marked a departure for UR, which traditionally relied on documentaries, reality shows, and studio programs for its educational content. Recognizing the evolving media consumption habits of young audiences, UR adopted drama as a new medium to connect with them. Project leader and producer Ulrika Johnson initially expressed skepticism about this new direction, given the higher costs and complexities associated with drama production. However, the potential for enhanced empathy and deeper engagement with the characters’ perspectives ultimately convinced her of the value of this approach. The series aimed to move beyond simple presentations of opposing viewpoints and instead foster a nuanced understanding of the characters’ motivations and decisions.
Paragraph 4: Focusing on Character-Driven Narratives
UR’s decision to focus on character-driven narratives was based on extensive research into the preferences of young viewers. These viewers, accustomed to high-quality international series, YouTube, and TikTok, were found to prioritize compelling stories and relatable characters over production value. Director Sam Safinia, with experience in directing for major platforms like SVT and Netflix, understood the importance of creating characters that resonated with the target audience. The aim was to evoke strong emotional connections, allowing viewers to identify with, admire, or even dislike the characters, thereby enhancing their investment in the narrative.
Paragraph 5: A Lean Production with a Focus on Casting
Despite the ambitious nature of the project, the production team for this series was remarkably small, consisting of only five members. This lean approach, while challenging, also offered an opportunity to demonstrate the feasibility of creating quality drama with limited resources. By forgoing expensive elements like drone shots and elaborate set designs, UR allocated its budget strategically. A primary focus was placed on meticulous casting, seeking young actors with experience and screen presence who could captivate the audience. This emphasis on casting, rather than extravagant production elements, reflected UR’s understanding of what resonated most with their target demographic.
Paragraph 6: Dilvin Asaad as Selma: A Passion for Acting
Dilvin Asaad, a 15-year-old actress with prior experience in film and television, was cast in the lead role of Selma. Her previous credits included the award-winning film "Paradiset brinner" and the Netflix series "I dina händer." For Dilvin, acting provided an outlet for self-expression and exploration, allowing her to embody different personalities and explore a range of emotions. She drew inspiration from Turkish dramas, admiring their heightened emotional intensity and the authenticity of the performances. Dilvin’s passion for acting and her commitment to her craft made her a perfect fit for the role of Selma, bringing depth and vulnerability to the character.
