Film Meets Art With Ida Barklund

Film Meets Art With Ida Barklund
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“I have always wanted to come to LA and I fell in love with it as soon as I landed,” said actress Ida Barklund. Known for playing European roles in both New Zealand and London, the Swedish born actress has been in numerous films, stage shows and more.

Ida Barklund

Ida Barklund

photo courtesy of Ida Barklund

Barklund has appeared in television, films as well as stage productions such as: The Z-Nail Gang, Keanu Reeves Saves the Universe, A Doll’s House, The Almighty Johnsons, etc.

Several years ago, Barklund came to the US to study Mesiner at The Neighborhood Playhouse in New York, where she had the opportunity to work with director John Gallagher, “Working as Ida’s film acting teacher at the Neighborhood Playhouse, I was instantly struck by her great talent, her great beauty, her great heart. It was clear to me she possessed complete dedication and professionalism beyond her years, and a key ingredient lacking in most young actors – humility.”

Gallagher has also directed actors Ben Gazzara, Rita Moreno, Stacy Keach, Steve James, William Forsythe and Sean Young. Known for being an actor’s director, he has an upcoming film slated to star Jerry O'Connell. He said he looks forward to working with Barklund once again.

“He truly is an actor’s director and uses a lot of improv to get the actors connected to the character and themselves, said Barklund. “He lives and breathes film and is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to anything in the movie industry. His talent and passion affects everyone around him and he really inspires me.”

From left to right, Frank Vincent, Ida Barklund, Johin Gallagher at the Soho Filmfest

From left to right, Frank Vincent, Ida Barklund, Johin Gallagher at the Soho Filmfest

photo courtesy of Ida Barklund

Barklund said she truly enjoyed working on the film “I Love You" and hopes to work with Gallagher again soon.

Another favorite role for the actress was playing the Swedish tourist Inga in the independent feature called Z-Nail Gang, filmed in New Zealand. The film is based on a true story and was nominated for best self-funded film at The New Zealand Film Awards. She said her role was based on a friend of the director and it was important that the person playing it was European. "The Z-Nail Gang tells the story of locals joining to fight plans to dig an opencast goldmine in nearby bush — using nails in car tires, Santa suits and a rap song, instead of monkey wrenches. The making of this down-home take on eco-activism was also a grass-roots effort, with the film made by harnessing community support in the Bay of Plenty town of Te Puke."

Barklund currently stars in the short film “Distractions” which has been screened at several film festivals in Europe including The Nightpiece International Film Festival and The East Coast Film Festival in England. The film is about how a host of everyday distractions and concerns can leave us bereft of any appreciation of the present moment, while art can open a portal that ignites the imagination, memories and feelings we would otherwise ignore. Distractions will be screened this Saturday, December 2nd at 7:00pm at Arena 1 Gallery at 3026 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90405. There will also be an opening reception for several art exhibitions taking place from 6-8pm; http://arena1gallery.com/ Find out more about Ida Barklund https://www.spotlight.com/interactive/cv/1418-7861-7551

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