Although it’s little known outside Sweden, The Norrtull Gang proves a fascinating and distinctive melodrama from the early 1920s, the tale of four young women sharing an apartment on Norrtull Street in Stockholm. “Modern women”, they’re nonetheless exploited and harassed in their “pink collar” jobs, and victims of society’s hypocritical attitudes towards sex. It’s sensitively directed by Per Lindberg, adapted by his brother-in-law, the playwright Hjalmar Bergman, from the classic novel by the groundbreaking feminist author and politician Elin Wägner. Unusually, the intertitle cards are written in the first person, giving the film the intimate feel of a journal.

The Norrtull Gang will be screened with newly composed music by Lina Nyberg – performed live in the auditorium by Nyberg (voice and live electronics) and a Canadian string quartet of Meredith Bates violin, Joshua Zubot violin, Parmela Attariwala viola, and Peggy Lee cello.

Lina Nyberg is one of Sweden’s most creative and innovative jazz singers and contemporary composers. As a solo artist she has released 24 albums. As a composer she has written works on commission from big bands, string quartets, other chamber settings and symphony orchestras.

Presented in association with VIFF. Score commissioned by Lidköping Folkets Hus with support from the Swedish Arts Council (Kulturrådet) and Swedish Arts Grant Committee (Konstnårsnåmnde).