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The remarkable true story of Gustaf Håkansson, affectionately known as “Stålfarfar” or “Steel Grandpa,” is being brought to the big screen by Strive Stories, the Stockholm-based production company founded by best-selling author Jens Lapidus and award-winning producer Nicklas Wikström Nicastro.
Titled SteelGrandpa, the feature film will be shot in Sweden and helmed by celebrated director Mårten Klingberg (“Off Track”). The script, written by Gudrun Giddings (“The Secret World”) and Cameron Johann (“An American in Austin”), tells the inspiring and humorous tale of Håkansson, who at age 65, defied race officials who barred him from competing in the inaugural Sverigeloppet in 1951 because of his age. Undeterred, he rode the grueling 6-day national cycling tour anyway, without official entry, eventually outlasting many competitors and becoming a beloved folk hero across Sweden.
“This story is full of heart, just the kind of tale we want to champion,” said Nicastro, whose film “A Man Called Ove” was both a Swedish box office hit and an Oscar nominee. He also co-produced “The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki,” which won the Un Certain Regard prize at Cannes.
Joining the production are producers Giddings, known for “Flypaper and Mercy,” and Tora Greiff Bergström (“Paradis City”). The executive production team features industry veterans Jeff Most (“The Crow”) and Brent Shields (“The Magic of Ordinary Days”). Distribution across the Nordic region will be handled by Scanbox Entertainment.
Director Mårten Klingberg expressed enthusiasm for the project: “I’m extremely happy and grateful to have been asked to direct a film based on such an exciting and inspiring person as Stålfarfar. Together with the talented screenwriters and the dedicated producers and distributor, I hope to create an amusing and touching film in the same spirit as my previous ones.”
For Giddings, the story’s emotional depth is key: “It’s been a privilege to enter Stålfarfar’s world. To follow his journey, from the Arctic Circle’s midnight sun to Sweden’s southern reaches, has been profoundly moving. That it’s a true story only makes it more powerful. With Mårten Klingberg’s vision and Strive’s support, we’re honored to bring this story to life.”
Wikstrom Nicastro added, “The script, based on the true story of Stålfarfar, has a lot of heart, stories that we strive to produce and bring to both local and global audiences. With this Swedish story’s universal themes, we hope everyone has an opportunity to experience Stålfarfar’s fierce spirit.”
“SteelGrandpa” is set to capture not only the thrilling journey of a man who wouldn’t quit, but also the universal message of resilience, spirit and following your passion at any age. With a creative team blending Swedish and international talent, the film aims to charm both local and global audiences.
English (US) ·