As It Is In Heaven + Introduction Gert Geluk
How does music bring people together? In collaboration with Festival Vocallis, we’re screening the classic As It Is In Heaven. Before the screening, Gert Geluk will give an introduction (in Dutch).
Gert Geluk, artistic director of Festival Vocallis, is stepping down this year – and he’s doing so in a special way: with an introduction to As It Is In Heaven, one of his favourite films. He connects the film to the 2025 theme of Festival Vocallis – happiness – as well as to his own personal experience. He says:
"I saw this film twenty years ago. It moved and touched me deeply – a film about authenticity and reflection. A film that shows how music and community can have a healing power, how music can foster connection and lead to personal growth. And not to forget the beautiful music by Stefan Nilsson – and a song about happiness."
This screening is presented in collaboration with Festival Vocallis.
As It Is In Heaven
Re-release of the arthouse hit about a world-famous conductor who, after suffering a heart attack, returns to his hometown in northern Sweden to recover, and ends up taking the local choir under his wing.
As It Is In Heaven tells the story of renowned conductor Daniel Daréus, who returns to his rural hometown in search of peace after having had a heart attack. As he begins working with the local church choir, Daniel finds unexpected healing – and confrontation – as he helps the villagers discover their voices and confront their inner struggles.
Director Kay Pollak weaves themes of forgiveness, love, and transformation into a deeply human narrative, brought to life by Michael Nyqvist’s sensitive performance and a cast of unforgettable characters. The film’s emotional depth and stirring music have made it a modern Scandinavian classic. At the time, As It Is In Heaven was nominated for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.