The Return of the Ark
EXTRA SCREENING - Finnish Premiere
Saturday at 7 PM, Alō
Documentary, 2026, Sweden
Director: Martin Sandin
Duration: 1 h 48 min
Themes: Småland, rock, friendship
Language: Swedish, English; subtitles in English
Age rating: Suitable for all ages
There's no doubt about the kings of Nordic glam rock. The story of the Swedish band The Ark has finally been compiled into a documentary, which will be freshly screened at Karhupuisto. The Return of The Ark (Vi var The Ark) is the story of six guys from the forests of Småland in Southern Sweden who turn their experience of being outsiders into a sparkling fantasy, a close friendship, and one of Sweden's and the entire Nordic region's biggest rock success stories of this millennium. Pastor's son Ola Salo is a natural star, whose sympathetic sermon even reached Eurovision.
The documentary follows The Ark's journey through three decades – from the band's formation in the early 1990s to their breakthrough at the turn of the millennium, their controversial attempt to conquer the United States, their breakup in 2011, and their reunion tour in recent years. As he steps onto the stage after a hiatus of over a decade, Salo must consider what would be true to The Ark, yet also stylish for a middle-aged rock star.
Other credits:
Cinematography: Viktor Annerstål
Producers: Kristofer Åkesson, Stina Gardell
Production company: Mantaray Film
