Varela about playing against childhood friend Skarsgård: "It's a dream"

For 438 days, freelance journalists Martin Schibbye and Johan Persson were imprisoned in the Kality prison in Ethiopia. They were convicted of terror crimes after entering the Ogaden area with the help of the ONLF guerrilla.

Human rights organizations condemned the verdict, but instead of appealing, Schibbye and Persson chose to apply for pardon. They were released in September 2012.

Now the film is released 438 days, with childhood friends Matias Varela and Gustaf Skarsgård playing the lead roles.

- I was very happy that it was me and Gustaf who got the question. We have known each other for 26 years. My journey started with Gustaf, when I was wondering if I would become an actor. It felt worthy that we could make the film together. Then it's a fantastic story that just has to be filmed, says Matias Varela.

Gustaf Skarsgård says that it is difficult not to be genuine to someone who knows so well.

- I can't bluff him. It gets embarrassing if I stand and try to be a little good in backlight.

He also talks about the responsibility he believes exists when making a movie based on a true story.

- When there is a strong, genuine model, then there is clearly a responsibility. At the same time, one should make a strong, touching and entertaining film. You want to invite the audience to a strong cinematic experience. So you have to find that balance.

Another challenge is to make a movie where many people know what is going to happen, says Matias Varela.

- It puts enormous demands on finding a storytelling approach that makes it interesting even though you know what is going to happen. You have to sit down and hope that it will go well, though you know they came home. It's something that can be quite difficult.