For his Directors’ Cuts installment, uncompromising Swedish filmmaker Jonas Åkerlund goes insides his 25-year filmography for a rare dance piece. Known for his darkly comic approach, the one-time drummer of black metal outfit Bathory captures live-action footage of Place (Ställe), a delicate stage work choreographed by Stockholm-based choreographer and director Mats Ek. Ek conceived the performance as a dedication to his wife and muse Ana Laguna, who stars in the emotive pas de deux alongside Russian dancer (and Sex and the City star) Mikhail Baryshnikov. The dramatic 30-minute short was captured at the Swedish capital’s Royal Dramatic Theatre, Dramaten.

What were the challenges in capturing on film something made for viewing in real life?


Jonas Åkerlund: With a live audience, you are always limited in terms of where to put the cameras. The show itself dictates everything. In filmmaking we are used to stopping and retaking etc, but with shooting live all this was taken away. You only have one chance to capture it all. The rehearsals for me and my camera operators are key to make this happen and not miss any of the important moments.

Can you talk us through the process of including those opening/closing sequences?
JÅ: I was fascinated by the amount of time the dancers warm up and how focused and serious this process actually is, so I decided to use security cams and put them up around the warm-up areas: in the entrance, back stage, and even in the dressing rooms.

What film would you make required watching for everyone you know?
JÅ: I would say The Rover.

Who would play you in a film or performance about your life?
JÅ: Ana Laguna.

What's on your to do list for 2015?


JÅ: Pig out.