Documentary 'Trustorhärvan' Unpacks 90s Swedish Financial Heist

Director Karin af Klintberg's new documentary, "Trustorhärvan," delves into the infamous 1990s "Trustor affair," Sweden's most significant financial fraud, which saw 600 million kronor plundered from the investment company Trustor. The film, premiering on Netflix on August 5th, arrives shortly after a TV4 series on the same subject, "Golden boys."

Klintberg, known for her persistent interviewing style, successfully tracked down Joachim Posener, the mastermind behind the heist, who had been in hiding since 1997. With the statute of limitations having expired, Posener agreed to appear on camera, sharing his perspective on the events. The film also features interviews with other involved parties, including Thomas Jisander, Richard Jursén, and Björn Björnsson.

While the documentary, like the TV series, aims to explain the complex mechanics of the fraud, its primary strength lies in its portrayal of the individuals and the zeitgeist of the era. Af Klintberg focuses on "exposing rather than analyzing," highlighting the "thick narcissism" of the interviewees and the director's own subtle presence and dry humor, reminiscent of her previous works like "Ebbe – the movie."

The film's editing is noted for its effectiveness, employing montage techniques that evoke the style of Soviet filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein. This approach, combined with the candid interviews, offers a compelling look into the personalities behind the financial scandal, making "Trustorhärvan" a captivating character study of a bygone era's excesses.