Swedish Children’s Cinema

This comprehensive study explores the rich legacy of Swedish children's cinema, tracing its evolution from the mischievous rascal films of the 1920s through the artistic renewal of the 1970s and into the child-empowering narratives of the 1990s and early 2000s. The book provides detailed close readings that span academic disciplines, examining everything from genre conventions and shifting media debates to the enduring cultural impact of Astrid Lindgren's beloved adaptations. It offers a scholarly yet accessible journey through a century of cinematic storytelling crafted for young audiences.

What makes this work distinctive is its interdisciplinary approach, which connects film analysis to broader cultural and societal shifts in Sweden. Readers interested in film history, Scandinavian studies, or children's media will find a meticulously researched account that treats children's cinema as a serious and influential art form. By probing the transmediations and recurring themes across decades, the book ultimately reveals how these films have both reflected and shaped national identity and childhood itself.