Ingmar Bergman Makes a Movie (1963): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1963, Ingmar Bergman Makes a Movie is a documentary film directed by Vilgot Sjöman, running about 145 minutes.

What it’s about. The year is 1961 and Ingmar Bergman is making a movie. While planted on the scene as apprentice to Bergman, Vilgot Sjöman (director, I Am Curious–Yellow, 1967), suggests to Swedish Television that they take the opportunity to record with the acclaimed director. In August, Sjöman and the television crew begin to capture what would become a comprehensive five-part documentary on the making of Winter Light, offering views of script development, set construction and lighting, rehearsals and editing, as well as intimate conversations with Bergman and members of his cast and crew. Footage from the film’s Swedish premiere delivers immediate audience reactions and the critics’ reviews the following day.

Who’s in it. Ingmar Bergman Makes a Movie stars Ingmar Bergman as Self, Vilgot Sjöman as Self, Sven Nykvist as Self and Gunnar Björnstrand as Self, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.3/10, Ingmar Bergman Makes a Movie has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Criterion Channel. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Ingmar Bergman Makes a Movie page.

If you liked it. Fans of Ingmar Bergman Makes a Movie tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.