Alex's high opinion of himself isn't backed up by reality as he is unemployed and having trouble with his girlfriend. When he finally gets a job with the local council/municipality of Hudiksvall his life is about to change. Suddenly Alex finds himself the leader of a local theatre group of people with learning difficulties. Through their work together, Alex comes to appreciate that we all have our own talents which can grow if given the opportunity and support. "The Importance of Tying Your Own Shoes" is based on the work of the Glada Hudik Theatre whose performances have met with success in Sweden and internationally since it was formed in 1996.
Acting
Gudnason's pitch-perfect smug-to-humbled arc.
Direction
Koppel avoids every disability-movie cliché.
Practical Effects
Real Glada Hudik Theatre members, not actors.
Director
Lena Koppel
Sverrir Gudnason
Alex
Vanna Rosenberg
Hanna
Mats Melin
Kjell-Åke
Theresia Widarsson
Filippa
Bosse Östlin
Ebbe
Ellinore Holmer
Katarina
Marie Robertson
Anna-Lena
Claes Malmberg
Peter
Cecilia Forss
Lisa
Eva Funck
Mother of Leif
Jill Ung
Mother of Katarina
Tommy Sporrong
Brother of kjell-Åke
Bill Hugg
Ryttmästaren
Nadine Kirschon
Laura
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The Glada Hudik Theatre pioneered inclusive performance in Sweden; their 2009 NYC debut preceded this film by two years.
Sverrir Gudnason spent weeks living with the actual theatre group—his awkward first rehearsals are partially genuine footage.
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