Displaced Perssons

From Sweden to Pakistan and back again. Forty years ago, Pelle Persson drove off in a Land Rover from his village on an adventure. He came to a final halt 10,000 kilometers (6,200 miles) away in Lahore, where he got married to Shahmin and had two daughters. Now the Perssons are on their way to Sweden – and freedom? In any case, that, is what daughters Mia and Zahra are longing for, just like their father before them. These spirited girls experience life in Pakistan as a straitjacket of rules and gossip. Sweden is their promised land: "In Sweden, I will drink beer!" says Zahra. But once the novelty of the cold morning air has passed, they discover that the Swedish welfare state also imposes restrictions, and that Swedish freedom is a relative concept. There are just different rules here, rules that involve bureaucracy and residence permits. While Pelle attempts to reenter the "system" he left behind 40 years ago, Shahmin is longing to return to Lahore, and Maria and Zahra immerse themselves in their new life. When needed, director Aasa Blanck explains matters in voice-over. And with winter arriving, the Perssons gradually – and with a great deal of good humor – get a foothold on Swedish ground. And Zahra even finds a boyfriend.