Finnish Premiere
The Return of the Ark, FRI 11.9, 6 PM – Alō
Documentary, 2026, Sweden
Director: Martin Sandin
Running time: 1 h 48 min
Themes: Småland, rock, friendship
Languages: Swedish and English; English subtitles
Age rating: Suitable for all ages
Director Martin Sandin will attend the screening.
There is no doubt about the identity of Nordic glam rock royalty. The story of Swedish band The Ark has finally been made into a documentary, now receiving its Finnish premiere at Karhupuisto. The Return of the Ark (Vi var The Ark) tells the story of six guys from the forests of Småland in southern Sweden who transformed the experience of being outsiders into a dazzling fantasy, a close friendship, and one of Sweden’s—and the entire Nordic region’s—greatest rock success stories of this millennium. Pastor’s son Ola Salo is a natural-born star whose warm-hearted gospel carries the band all the way to the Eurovision Song Contest.
The documentary follows The Ark across three decades—from the band’s formation in the early 1990s and its breakthrough at the turn of the millennium to its controversy-plagued attempt to conquer the United States, its breakup in 2011, and its recent reunion tour. Returning to the stage after more than a decade away, Salo must consider what would remain true to The Ark while still feeling stylish for a middle-aged rock star.
Additional credits:
Cinematography: Viktor Annerstål
Producers: Kristofer Åkesson, Stina Gardell
Production company: Mantaray Film
Secure your seat now!
🎟️ Ticket categories:
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Festival Ticket – €15
Standard admission to one screening. Your purchase supports the production of the event.
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Patron Ticket – €25
Would you like to support the festival further? Choose a Patron Ticket and help secure the event’s future.
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Solidarity Ticket – €10
For students, unemployed people, pensioners, and other discount groups.
We will also organise free public screenings at Karhupuisto, Bar Tÿpo, Kallio Library, and Suvilahti DIY.
