You die when you're young
58 mins
Set in Biskopsgården, one of Sweden’s most stigmatized urban areas, You Die When You’re Young is a powerful and deeply human documentary that follows the lives of three teenagers over four years. With rare intimacy and nuance, the film offers a raw and emotional portrayal of growing up in the shadow of social exclusion, gang violence, and systemic neglect. At the heart of the story are Elmedina, a gifted young singer struggling against family pressure and cultural expectations; Adam, a brilliant but restless teen whose hacking spirals into serious consequences; and Alex, a boy drawn into crime while trying to protect his younger sister. Guiding them is Filip, a youth center worker acting as mentor, friend, and lifeline. More than just a documentary, this is a vital and timely story about vulnerability, choices, and resilience in the face of a society that often looks the other way.
Carl Pontus Hjorthén
Director
Carl Pontus Hjorthén
Editor
Hjalmar Palmgren
Producer
Kalle Gustafsson Jerneholm
Original Music Composer
Camilla Skagerström
Cinematography
Nora Agapi
Cinematography
Frans Hutha-Karlsson
Cinematography
Henrik Hjort
Cinematography