ELIXIR
A short movie (in Swedish – sorry!) from 2004 about four young immigrant guys who get a mysterious potion from an unknown sender – a potion which turns immigrants into Swedes, along with all that it entails. The guys decide to set up a master plan, and the police is not very impressed.
This is a 25 minute piece packed with stereotypes, environments and realities that I grew up with myself. It is hilarious, while being very authentic, sad and appalling. It’s basically a loud shout of criticism against our society, and there are too many truths in there for it not to touch me.
The short was directed by Babak Najafi and produced by Memfis Film. It is based on a novel from 2001 by Alejandro Leiva Wenger. And yes… the resolution is horrible and I haven’t found a nicer upload, so do yourself a favour and don’t watch this on full screen.
Good Guys Christmas
What do Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Jesus and a random dude have in common?
This new christmas campaign from UNICEF Sweden is absolutely brilliant! I’m loving the shift from old school guilt-trip ads with images of crying children in dirty clothes, to this far more creative and humorous way of convincing people to contribute to humanitarian development. The concept is simple, funny and straightforward, and manages to appeal to an international audience while still having a touch of Swedishness in it. Some might argue that it trivializes serious matters, while I immediately questioned whether simply “clicking” an ad was enough for donating. There is a referral to the website in the end of the video, and UNICEF Sweden has a great online giftshop when one can buy “gifts that matter” for children in need. So no, it’s not simply about clicking an ad, but it doesn’t really matter – because it’s funny and it’s well done. We’re generally pretty good at giving in Sweden, and people really appreciate a good and innovative advertisement campaign. Let’s hope this one works wonders!
Watch the rest of the three episodes of the Good Guys Christmas below. Don’t miss the little details such as Jesus turning the water to wine, Gandhis green yoga mat.. and the adventure of trying out the internet for the first time.
The spot was Produced by Forsman & Bodenfors for UNICEF Sweden.
Funnyhands
Throwback
India 2013 – Part 3: Varanasi – Finding my Brother and finding India.
I’ve written so much about Varanasi on different occasions that I don’t know where to start this time. The most beautiful thing about being in Varanasi was probably bumping into my Bhaia (brother) Cristo again. I met him last time in 2010 and he found us walking around the city this time, instantly adopted my mother as “mama, look!” and took on the role of showing us the magical side of the city for the coming three days, while refusing all forms of payment – because we’re family.
If you manage to make your way to Varanasi, do try to find Cristoforo Rahul Pandit somewhere, (guy on the picture above!) he speaks English, Hindi and Italian and is a Brahmin and Varanasi Expert with a huge heart. He works as a guide in the city so I designed and sent him a bunch of proper business cards – you might get one when you get there! His number is +91 (0) 9792597869, his skype is cristoforo203 and his email is varanasi.cristo (at) gmail.com. Contact him if you need a great guide in Varanasi – and do say hi from me. :)
At some point, he showed me the photo and note I had given him in 2010 and I went with my mother to visit the very shabby hotel I had spent my nights in back then. I was reminded about how I had prioritized at that point and how that helped me to manage a two month trip on a practically nonexistent budget. Also, it’s in the shabbiest places that I’ve met some of the most inspiring people I know. Obviously, I was in awe about being in Varanasi again, I recognized some of the small streets and found my way around, I recognized the colours, the smells, the contrasts and even some of the kids I had photographed when they were younger.. there is just so much about that place and it keeps being one of my two favourite cities in India simply because of how intense and real it manages to be. Varanasi is the place where you are most likely to find India.
It purposely breaks you down and then builds you up again.
You can find the rest of the India 2013 stories here.
Malmö
You, us, world.
I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I first signed up for my psychology studies. All I knew was that I wanted to really understand people, their minds, emotions and motivation. Then, at some point after learning about human development and cognition, I discovered the contrasts created by culture and society, and got interested in social psychology and intercultural communication – I went abroad for an exchange term and tried learning both Arabic and Spanish while studying various types of psychology, moral philosophy, statistics and conflict resolution – and then I suddenly shifted to diplomacy and wanted to understand the entire world – I went for a couple of trips, and came back eager to jump on a programme of mixed studies in peace and conflict, human rights and international relations. So i did.
And here I am now. Quite clueless still I guess.
I really want to thank you, anyhow, Sweden, for not limiting me or forcing me to make choices. For always offering endless alternatives if I would ever wish to return to University. (Harry Potter studies, anyone?) And for giving me all of this for free.
Every person should have access to a free, functional and flexible education system that supports, inspires, and lets them grow in the direction their minds choose. And hearts. People deserve to end up doing something they truly love.
Today’s limit of cheesiness has officially been reached. But hey, it’s all true.
The Power of Empathy
In this beautifully animated RSA Short, Dr Brené Brown reminds us that we only can create a genuine empathic connection if we are brave enough to really get in touch with our own fragilities. It was animated by Katy Davis, also known as Gobblynne.
The RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) is a constant source of inspiration and machine of awesomeness. It defines itself as “an enlightenment organisation committed to finding innovative practical solutions to today’s social challenges. Through its ideas, research and 27,000-strong Fellowship it seeks to understand and enhance human capability so we can close the gap between today’s reality and people’s hopes for a better world.”
I think Empathy is a very good start. And not disregarding feelings.
