David Strindberg and Johan Bring are the brains behind the PUNX STHLM production company. Originally from the area south of Lake Vättern, Johan was the first to leave for Stockholm but was followed a few years later by his brother David. They formally began working together under the name PUNX STHLM in early 2009. A year ago, the duo produced the acclaimed slow-motion video Synrise for Belgian electro band Goose.
Goose – Synrise
With the release of their first short film Tartarus – available exclusively for Totally Stockholm readers – they continue their dalliance with slow narration. We spoke with the duo to learn more about their unique approach to film-making and passion for astronomy.
How did you get into film making?
It started out that it was mostly just an idea that we thought it would be fun working together and we made a couple of music videos together. We decided to dedicate ourselves 100 percent to PUNX STHLM when we realized it worked so well. We complement each other and have the exact same goals. The combined results always exceed our individual ideas.
How would you describe your style of film-making?
Suggestive, contrasting and mystifying.
What are your influences?
We have no direct “gods” but we are inspired by the ideas, thoughts and originality of filmmakers like Alejandro Jodorowski, Ingmar Bergman, David Lynch, Werner Herzog and Stanley Kubrick. With music we are omnivores and are always hungry for new and unique ideas. It’s always fun to hear and be inspired by people who are trying to make something new or explore their own expression.
Why do you produce these videos?
We stood at a crossroads of becoming astronomers or filmmakers once. We chose filmmaking because we feel good doing it.
How would you describe Tartarus?
It is an artistic description of a population affected by an external force. The film lets the viewer interpret freely, if they choose to interpret at all or just want to sit and enjoy.
Do you think you will have difficulty finding an audience for it?
There’s always someone who is as twisted as us that will enjoy it.
What are you working on now?
We have just released a music video for our own project STYGG. We’re also writing a new script for a feature film. We will do some commercials in the early spring and then we’ll start with the shooting of our new film.
Camera equipment has reduced in price in recent years making the industry more accessible for amateurs. Has that been a good or bad thing?
It’s nice that you do not need to rent cameras for everything you want to do. It is easier to try out new things and get a professional result quickly. We don’t believe it hurts that there is a wide range, it’s rather a good thing filmmakers who may not manage to get acquainted with all the bureaucracy to seek grants gets an opportunity to make films themselves. It leaves more possibility to the filmmakers to create their film as they imagined it.
