Without Michael's knowledge, a parallel story went on in the best friend's life. Mathias had been in a debt situation where he was forced to perform certain acts of organized crime - among other things, he was pressured to empty the company where he worked for money.

Stranger to himself

The title "Fraemling" refers to how Mathias felt a strangerhood to the person he became. Documentary images are interspersed with game scenes and Mathias initially plays the role of himself in self-experienced scenes.

But in the midst of working on the film, Mathias quickly goes away in a heart failure, probably a consequence of a long time stress based on the situation he ended up in. The film was put on ice.

- At first, I had no intention of continuing with the film. I was in deep sadness - Mathias was my best friend. But a year and a half later, I took up the job again, he says.

At this time, actor Ulf Stenberg is hired to play the role of Mathias, and continues to tell the story of his best friend.

"Partially recorded in Halland"

Some scenes in the film are recorded outside Falkenberg where Mikel and Mathias grew up. If you know the countryside you can identify where some scenes take place, but Mikel does not want to share the exact location.

- The location itself is not relevant, he says.

The scene from the movie "Fraemling", a title that hints at how Mathias felt a strangership to the person he became. Photo: Platform Production

"Counter-image to over-used image of crime and violence"

The film had a bio premiere a week ago and has been well received. The Swedish Crime Authority has publicly gone out and commented on the film and Mikel wants it to be shown in Parliament.

- For me, the film is much more than fine reviews. It is a film to discuss and highlights the often simplified picture of crime and violence that is seen in action films in a new way.

He continues:

- The hope is that the film will provide new insights into how people in this world suffer from threats and blackmail.