magsäckens

Magsäckens is a Swedish documentary film that was released in 2020. The 98‑minute feature was directed by Anders Lagerström, who also co‑wrote the screenplay with photographer Elisa Nyström. The film was produced by Nordic Film Studios and distributed by Nordisk Film Distribution. The production took place primarily in the coastal cities along the Swedish west coast, with additional footage shot in the urban centre of Stockholm. The film’s budget was reported to be 12 million Swedish krona, and it was financed through a combination of regional film tax incentives, private investment, and a grant from the Swedish Film Institute.

The documentary follows a longitudinal study of the impact of chronic gastric disorders on the psychosocial well‑being of adults in Sweden. The central narrative is expressed through interviews with 34 patients, their families, and a panel of healthcare professionals from five regional hospitals. The film incorporates original animation sequences created by the artist duo Frida & Albert, which depict the physiological and emotional journey of patients dealing with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer disease, and Crohn’s disease.

Critics praised Magsäckens for its human‑centered storytelling and the balanced combination of medical data, personal testimony, and visual artistry. The film premiered at the International Film Festival in Gothenburg, where it received the Audience Award for Best Documentary. It also earned a nomination for Best Film at the Swedish Academy Awards in 2021. In Sweden, the film’s viewership reached 1.4 million within the first three months of theatrical release, making it one of the highest‑grossing documentaries of the year.