OLAVSKINO: Et hjerte er alltid rødt – Filmen om Imperiet

“A Heart Is Always Red” is the story of the Swedish rock band Imperiet—its rise from the ashes of Ebba Grön to the top of the charts and the biggest stages. It’s also the story of Sweden during an era when the country played a key role on the world political stage, and when social engagement among artists was a given.

About the film:

“With A Heart Is Always Red – The Film About Imperiet, you get a time-traveling, intoxicating post-punk road movie you didn’t know you were dreaming of—especially this year.”
— Cine.no (Cinema) ★★★★★★

“The music documentary A Heart Is Always Red – The Film About Imperiet is a feast of a film.”
— KinoMagasinet ★★★★★

“This is a film to be enjoyed—whether you're a devoted Imperiet fan or just in the mood for a great music documentary. It offers something for everyone, and for those already familiar with the stories, it’s a thrill to experience Imperiet in large format on the big screen.”
— Musikkavisen Puls

“...an insightful snapshot of Sweden and one of its major bands of the 1980s.”
— Adresseavisen

Imperiet was born from the legendary punk band Ebba Grön. They became the guiding stars of the post-punk generation and one of Sweden’s biggest rock bands of the 1980s. The film follows Imperiet on tour in Cuba, Mexico, and Nicaragua (alongside artists such as Mikael Wiehe).

The documentary features all of Imperiet’s members—Joakim Thåström, Christian Falk, Per Hägglund, Stry Terrarie, Gurra Ljungstedt, and Fred Asp—who, through archival footage and new interviews, reflect on their years in the band. Joakim Thåström, who usually avoids the press, opens up and shares his memories—mostly joyful, but some shadowed by regret, especially over the way Per Hägglund was pushed out of the band in 1987.

Cinematography by: Tove Falk