Filmmaker’s Interview:
A Q&A with Sarah Justine Kerruish and Matt Maude

Q: How did this film come about?

Sarah: When I first heard about Meg and her adventures on Rödlöga, I knew instantly that I would make a film about it. The idea of a tiny bakery on a remote island that was in danger of being lost encapsulates everything I’m interested in; a strong call to adventure, island life (I grew up on one), baking, and what a small group of people can achieve when passion and purpose collide.

I also have an inexplicable love affair with Sweden. Some places call to your soul. Sweden is one of those places for me. Maybe it is because my Scandinavian Viking ancestors settled on my island home in the Irish Sea. Or maybe it’s the exquisite Midsummer light. Or the Cardamom buns. Or perhaps all three? I’ll never know for sure, but I feel the connection deeply.

Matt: I often describe myself as “aspirationally” Scandinavian. I love the food, the fashion, high taxes = great public services. But it wasn’t until I arrived in Stockholm that I realized how different I am to Scandinavians in reality. Swedes are very private. They aren’t big on small talk. They are very structured, neat, and precise. And I’m basically the opposites of those things.

Over the course of the four-hour ferry up to the island, it was amazing to see this perceived coldness drop away the closer and closer we got to Rödlöga: People beginning to congregate together over small tables as they realized the proximity of destination or similarity of surroundings. Sharing of food, ice cream, stories. Seeing that change in people was incredible. Because I think it speaks to so many communities across the planet. That we’re all just searching for our tribe. For shared histories. Safety. Ease.

Being on the island for me was a bit like finding my people. I definitely felt like I’d found a home in the people there - despite knowing next to no Swedish. Because where there’s no distractions from the internet or electricity, it creates a lot more possibility of community. Everyone knows everyone. Because there’s no food shops or hardware stores nearby, everyone shares everything, everyone helps everyone. There’s always a dinner invitation. Always coffee. Always cake.

It also felt incredibly safe being there. And I think in that safety, that lack of distraction, you become more of yourself.

Q: Why did you make this film?

Sarah: I have lots of ideas for films but the ones that get made are like little birds sitting on my shoulder and pecking at my head. They will not stop until I start making the film. I do feel somewhat apologetic that this is unabashedly a sweet story. There are so many important issues in the world that need documenting, especially now, but I am a great believer in William Blake’s quote, “Kiss joy as it flies.” As much as we do need to stand up to the forces of oppression, we also need to enjoy our lives today.

Q: Share a story about filming; anything that you found interesting along the way with your filming journey.

Sarah: There were so many extraordinary moments in the making of this film. First of all, the serenity and beauty of Rodloga are unlike anything I have experienced. The fact that there is no internet and very little mobile coverage, let alone plugs for charging, also made it a very special experience. It’s like stepping back in time. However, the islanders were the best part of the whole journey. We made some friends for life.

Q: Did the film change from your original idea for the film as you were filming or in post?

Sarah: Reality is always better than my paltry imagination. There was a lot more drama at this little cafe than I could have ever conceived.

Q: What were the challenges in making this film?

Matt: Filming in 24 hours of sunlight has some unexpectant challenges. I slept in the museum on the island and the beds there were definitely built for historical accuracy rather than any idea of comfort. There were moments where I’d just pass out mid-filming because my body had no idea what time it was.

Q: What were the successes that you had in making this film?

Sarah: One of the unexpected successes of making SWEET STÖRY was the opportunity to develop an original score with the incredible composer Benji Merrison, master conductor Ragnar Bohlin and the most beautiful Swedish Choir.

Q: What do you want audiences to take away from this film?

Sarah: The stories I love the most are the ones about people who leave their life as they know it and dare to ‘step out in the direction of their dreams’. I hope that people who see SWEET STÖRY will think about any ‘other life’ they dream of and have a little more courage to take a step in that direction.

Matt: Go on summer holidays for eight weeks at a time. Switch off the electricity. Make bread. Then repeat.