Director Ruben Östlund Plans Million-Kronor Art Performance in Rome

Acclaimed Swedish director Ruben Östlund is planning a provocative new art performance in Rome, aiming to distribute approximately one million kronor (about $95,000 USD) in a public square for anyone to take. The project, described as a social experiment, is being developed in collaboration with a Rome-based art gallery.

Östlund, known for his films that delve into social dynamics and moral dilemmas, such as "The Square," intends for this installation to examine how people behave in public spaces. The core idea is to place a significant sum of money in a central location, allowing individuals to take as much as they wish. "The point is that at the end of the exhibition, all the money that is left will go to an organization that pays hospital bills for poor families in Rome," Östlund explained in an interview with Screen.

“

The point is that at the end of the exhibition, all the money that is left will go to an organization that pays hospital bills for poor families in Rome.

He added, "If you take the money, you are also taking it from these poor people." Östlund is seeking a private donor to fund the artwork. The collaborating art gallery has expressed skepticism, anticipating that the money will disappear quickly. However, Östlund remains optimistic about human generosity, suggesting he believes people are more inclined to give than the gallery expects.

During his participation at the Slano Film Days in Croatia, Östlund also shared details about his upcoming film, "The Entertainment System Is Down." The movie reportedly explores conflicts among airplane passengers unable to agree on a film to watch, with potential clashes between those preferring Russian director Andrey Zvyagintsev's "Leviathan" and those opting for an Adam Sandler comedy. The film is slated for release in 2027.

“

If you take the money, you are also taking it from these poor people.