“Rubus Arcticus was great fun and exciting”

There is still time to apply for Rubus Arcticus – one of Sweden's largest cultural scholarships. One of those who took the chance last year was filmmaker Jon Blåhed, who was awarded the scholarship on his third attempt. – You shouldn't give up if you don't get it the first time, says Jon the day after he finished filming the summer's feature film Rörelser.

Jon Blåhed from Tärendö has been exclusively making films in Norrbotten since 2017. On streaming services, you can watch the TV series Fejkpatienten, filmed in Luleå, and the feature film Inland. Rubus Arcticus gave him peace of mind in the pre-production of his current project: the film about the Korpela Movement, a religious revival movement in the Tornedalen in the 1930s.

– I've been writing it for six years, it's been a long process, but now we're up and running and filming. It's the first feature film ever in Meänkieli. Bengt Pohjanen has translated all the dialogue and the film was inspired by his book Dagning Röd, says Jon Blåhed.

– We have now filmed half of the film and it has gone great. Now we have an intermediate period and then we will film in the fall and then finish this winter in Tornedalen.

The scholarship of 100 SEK was welcome.

– It's always valuable to have scholarships like this when you're a freelance cultural worker. At the time, I was between the TV series and the feature film. It was great fun and exciting. A nice motivation too, which feels like the jury got the point of what I do.

This year's scholarships have a deadline of September 1. Jon's tip is to put in the effort to submit a well-written application.

– You must take the time required to submit a good application, and try to explain sincerely and sincerely what your purpose is and how you want to use the money.   

Text: Sara Stylbäck Vesa

Press release Rubus Arcticus 2022
Read more about the scholarship and apply