During PPIE Sweden was known for its leadership in Cinema from the earliest years. It is coincidental that this year is both the centennial of PPIE and of the birth of Ingrid Bergman, Sweden’s famous film actress.

In this talk journalist and film critic Ulrika Knutson celebrates Ingrid Bergman as a pioneering feminist who battled the Hollywood studio system, cherished her independence and refused to accept any limitations placed upon her as a performer or a woman. Celebrated for her natural beauty and the lack of artifice in her acting, Bergman made bold choices in her roles and her directors. When news of her adulterous affair with Roberto Rossellini became public knowledge, she was hounded into exile and attacked on the floor of the American senate. She would later return to Hollywood in triumph and remains an inspirational figure, as a successful artist and an independent woman who lived by her own rules.

Ulrika Knutson is a Swedish author, critic and freelance journalist. Ulrika is a columnist in Swedish Public Radio, and writes for several Swedish newspapers. She specializes in woman history and freedom of speech. Ulrika Knutson is the former chairman of The Swedish National Press Club. This autumn she was appointed Ph D hc at the University of Gothenburg. Ms. Knutson is also a former film critic, interested in “women’s film”, Swedish cinema of the thirties and the films of Ingmar Bergman. Three subjects that meet in the art of Ingrid Bergman.
This event is presented in conjunction with the Ingrid Bergman Centennial: a retrospective event series including film screenings, documentary, and exhibition, celebrating her work and the centennial of her birth.

Presented by the Consulate General of Sweden.

Photo credit (Ingrid Bergman): Embassy of Sweden