BONDE
A short film by Billy Chester
Shot on the isolated island of Gotland, Sweden, BONDE is an introspective story about a reclusive farmer confronting grief, solitude, and the challenge of human connection after his mother’s death. Created with a small crew in a remote setting, the film captures the stark beauty and emotional weight of rural life—culminating in a quiet, unexpected moment of hope.
Introduction
BONDE is a poignant and introspective film that tells the story of Hasse Carlstrom, a solitary farmer grappling with intellectual challenges and the sudden loss of his sole caretaker, his mother. Set in the tranquil yet isolating countryside of Sweden, the film navigates Hasse's journey through grief and the quest for independence. Directed with a keen eye for emotional depth and landscape synergy, BONDE examines the intersections of human fragility and resilience, offering a window into the soul of a man often overlooked by society.
Story
After the death of his mother, Hasse Carlstrom finds himself alone on a remote farm, struggling to cope with a world that seems both physically and emotionally unmanageable. The story of BONDE follows his halting attempts to navigate this new reality, from the initial overwhelming grief to the eventual tentative steps towards self-reliance. Hasse's interactions with the environment and the few people who enter his life reveal both the depths of his challenges and his capacities for growth. As seasons change around him, mirroring his internal transformation, Hasse's journey encapsulates a profound exploration of what it means to be truly independent while highlighting the poignant moments of connection that can illuminate a solitary life.
Theme
The central theme of BONDE revolves around solitude and the inherent human resilience in the face of profound loss. The film poignantly explores the vast emotional landscapes of a man forced to confront his vulnerabilities and the silence of isolation. Through the serene yet stark Swedish countryside, BONDE reflects on loss, belonging, and the indomitable human spirit's courage to forge new paths. This narrative invites viewers to confront life's inevitable changes and the resilience required to adapt and thrive, making Hasse's story deeply emotional and universally relatable.
Character
HASSE
CARLSTROM
Hasse Carlstrom is a farmer in his early 50's, characterized by a quiet life filled with routine and simplicity. With an intellectual disability that has always made the world a bit larger and more complicated, Hasse has depended on the steadfast care and companionship of his mother all his life. After her death, he faces the daunting task of navigating his loneliness and independence in the expansive, quiet fields of rural Sweden. Hasse's character embodies a gentle spirit marked by resilience, embodying the human capacity to find strength in vulnerability.
KRISTINA
CARLSTROM
Kristina, in her mid-fifties, is Hasse's younger sister who lives out of town. A schoolteacher by profession, Kristina is pragmatic, caring, and somewhat estranged from rural life since moving to the city. Her relationship with Hasse is affectionate but tinged with guilt over not being more present in his life. Following their mother's death, Kristina finds herself thrust back into her brother's world, struggling to balance her own life with her newfound responsibilities towards Hasse. Her journey is one of reconnection, learning to understand and support her brother in ways she never anticipated.
Cinematography
In BONDE, the cinematography is deliberately crafted to pull the audience into Hasse's emotional and physical world. The visual language mirrors the bleak limbo that defines his existence, using slow, deliberate camera movements and extended takes to heighten the sense of isolation and introspection. Set primarily within a single farmhouse, the cinematography embraces naturalistic lighting, juxtaposing the vast emptiness of the rural landscape against the suffocating stillness of the interiors. Wide lenses and carefully composed medium to long shots emphasize Hasse's solitude, reinforcing the emotional and physical distance he experiences daily. Yet, in moments of vulnerability, the camera moves in-close-ups punctuate the stillness, offering glimpses into his internal struggles and the rare, fleeting connections that shape his world.
Film Stills
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Film Stills -
SHORT FILM | DRAMA / MYSTERY
A glimpse into the world of BONDE.
Editorial
We see Bonde as existing in three interwoven layers: visual, emotional, and sound. In the editorial process, our goal is to bring these elements into perfect balance. By merging the raw beauty of our cinematography with the emotional depth of Hasse's journey—while immersing the audience in a rich, textured soundscape-we create a world that feels lived-in and deeply personal. Each layer carries equal weight; none should overpower the others. This stage is critical in achieving that balance, requiring a meticulous, step-by-step process and close collaboration across departments to shape the film into its fullest expression.
Filmmakers
DIRECTOR/WRITER
BILLY CHESTER
Billy Chester is a filmmaker whose work spans narrative, commercial, and documentary storytelling. As the director behind "Skol" (Gothenburg Film Festival) and the
award-winning debut "No Answer", his films are defined by a raw, immersive approach to storytelling.
His passion for cinema was sparked in childhood after watching *What's Eating Gilbert Grape*, setting him on the path to becoming a director.
Since moving to Sweden in 2021, Billy has drawn inspiration from the country's vast, contemplative landscapes-an influence deeply embedded in his visual language and storytelling. His work blends cinematic precision with emotional depth, capturing the quiet complexities of human experience with a deeply personal lens.
CINEMATOGRAPHER
JOHN ANDERSON BEAVERS
John has over a decade's experience in a variety of genres, from commercial work to feature documentaries.
A gifted cinematographer with a passion for storytelling, John captures stunning imagery and fosters fresh ideas that make every project better.
With vision, passion, and humanity, John is a rare talent, and one that inspires all those that work alongside him.
Producer
TEAM COTTON - PRODUCER
BENJAMIN COTTON
In 2011, Benjamin moved to Sweden and established the production company Team Cotton. Over the past decade, he has completed a wide range of projects, including commercials, music videos, documentaries, short films, and live broadcasts. Throughout these years, Benjamin has refined his skills across different facets of film production.
Now, he is eager to apply his accrued experience and creative drive towards producing narrative films, aiming to craft stories that resonate deeply with audiences. This new focus marks a pivotal shift in his career, and Benjamin is excited to make his mark in the world of narrative filmmaking.
