Focus on Jazz Masterpieces and 1960s Nordic Design

In 1961, the height of modern jazz, Monica Zetterlund became a star with her groundbreaking attempt to sing jazz in Swedish. Her collaboration with the master Bill Evans led to international fame, establishing her as one of the world's foremost divas.

This film, chronicling the dramatic life of a single mother and telephone operator who overcame various setbacks and difficulties to reach the pinnacle of success as a jazz singer, attracted over 500,000 viewers in Sweden, a country of about 9.5 million people. It was nominated for 11 awards at the Guldbagge Awards, Sweden's equivalent of the Academy Awards, and won four, including Best Director and Best Actress.

The drama is vividly colored by a host of jazz masterpieces, including "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" (Take Five), "Walking Back Home," and "All That I Have Is Love." The film also includes the anecdote of Monica's fervent desire to cover "Waltz for Debby," leading her to send a handmade demo tape to Bill Evans, which resulted in their collaboration. Jazz fans and beyond will surely be captivated by these behind-the-scenes stories.



The setting, the 1950s and 1960s, was the golden age of Nordic design, with prominent figures like Arne Jacobsen from Denmark, Alvar Aalto from Finland, and Öre Axelsson from Sweden. The meticulous recreation of the interiors, cityscapes, and fashion of that era is another highlight of the film.

Edda Magnason, herself a singer, portrays Monica. She sings all the songs herself and delivers a performance that belies her screen debut. With a look strikingly similar to Monica's and a rich vocal talent, she leaves a powerful impression on screen.

The story of a woman, not born into privilege, achieving her dreams through her own efforts is sure to inspire audiences not only in the Nordic region but worldwide.



Waltz for Monica
November 29, Nationwide Release Begins at Shinjuku Musashinokan, Human Trust Cinema Yurakucho, and other theaters.
Director | Per Fly
Screenplay | Peter Birro
Starring | Edda Magnason, Sverrir Gudnason, Kjell Bergqvist
Distribution | Broadmedia Studio
2013 / Sweden / Color / Cinemascope / 111 min

Carlo Bosco © StellaNova Filmproduktion AB, AB Svensk Filmindustri, Film i Vast, Sveriges Television AB, Eyeworks Fine & Mellow ApS. All rights reserved.

Star Edda Magnason's Tokyo Performance
"Homage to Monica Zetterlund"
Dates | Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21
Times | 1st Set: Doors open 4:00 PM, Show starts 5:00 PM / 2nd Set: Doors open 7:00 PM, Show starts 8:00 PM
Price | ¥8,000
Venue | Blue Note Tokyo
6-3-16 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062, Leica Building
Tel. 03-5485-0088
http://www.bluenote.co.jp/jp/artists/edda-magnason/