Shame on Dry Land


Shame on Dry Land is a 2023 drama film directed and written by Axel Petersén. It stars Joel Spira, Christopher Wagelin, and Julia Sporre.
The film had its world premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival on 11 September 2023. It garnered nine nominations at the 59th Guldbagge Awards, including Best Director for Petersén and Best Actor in a Leading Role for Spira.

Premise

A con man, Dimman, leaves for Malta to surprise a friend at their wedding, but becomes entangled in a large Swedish online gambling community.

Cast

  • Joel Spira as Dimman
  • Christopher Wagelin as Fredrik
  • Julia Sporre as Sara
  • Jacqueline Ramel as Kicki
  • Michal Axel Piotrowski as Krumm
  • Tommy Nilsson as Pierre
  • Erica Muscat as Karmena
  • Owen Sciriha as Nima
  • Susanne Barklund as Mia

Production

In 2019, the project was announced to participate at the Berlinale Co-Production Market, under the working title From Malta to Oblivion. In August 2022, it was announced that LevelK would handle the film's international sales. The principal photography took place entirely in Malta in 2022.

Release

Shame on Dry Land had its world premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival on 11 September, competing for the Platform Prize. The film was released in Swedish cinema on 24 November 2023.

Reception

Kurt Halfyard of Screen Anarchy gave the film a positive review, calling it "that rare bird of sensual fusion of commercial Hollywood and European arthouse sensibilities". Elena Lazic of Cineuropa praised its "frenetic visual style" and exploration of Dimman's psychological makeup, writing that it " calls back to 1970s neo-noir American films".

Accolades

Shame on Dry Land led the nominations of 59th Guldbagge Awards with nine.
AwardDateCategoryRecipientResult
Toronto International Film Festival7–17 September 2023Platform PrizeAxel PetersénNomitated
Guldbagge Awards15 January 2024Best DirectorAxel PetersénWon
Guldbagge Awards15 January 2024Best Actor in a Leading RoleJoel SpiraWon
Guldbagge Awards15 January 2024Best Actor in a Supporting RoleChristopher WagelinWon
Guldbagge Awards15 January 2024Best Actress in a Supporting RoleJacqueline RamelNomitated
Guldbagge Awards15 January 2024Best ScreenplayAxel PetersénNomitated
Guldbagge Awards15 January 2024Best CinematographyJosua EmblomWon
Guldbagge Awards15 January 2024Best EditingRobert KrantzWon
Guldbagge Awards15 January 2024Best Sound DesignAndreas FranckWon
Guldbagge Awards15 January 2024Best Original ScoreBaba StiltzWon