Liv & Ingmar

In 1964, Liv Ullmann and Ingmar Bergman first crossed paths while working on the groundbreaking film 'Persona'. Despite their significant age difference and the fact that both were married at the time, they felt an instant connection that set the stage for an extraordinary love affair.

The summer they spent together was filled with warmth, desire, and genuine happiness. They embraced their passion and joy, often engaging in playful activities that made them feel alive and connected.

In a defining moment of their relationship, Ingmar built a home for Liv at the very spot where he had declared his love for her. This act symbolized their deepening bond and commitment to one another during their whirlwind romance.

As their relationship evolved, Liv and Ingmar welcomed a child into the world, solidifying their connection as parents. This new chapter brought joy but also introduced challenges as they navigated their unconventional family dynamics.

As time passed, loneliness began to creep into Liv's life. While she sought comfort and warmth from Ingmar, he was preoccupied with his own demons. This growing emotional gap began to strain their relationship, causing tension and difficulties.

Liv faced a series of severe ups and downs marked by Ingmar's psychological struggles and turbulent rages. Trapped in a cycle of emotional violence, she felt increasingly suffocated and scared, as their once-loving bond soured into turmoil.

Amidst the chaos, a new awareness began to awaken within Liv. Her loneliness allowed her to see Ingmar for who he truly was, leading her to understand that her feelings of adoration were overshadowed by the reality of their relationship.

Their relationship reached a breaking point, culminating in a painful break-up that became a scandal covered by the media. This dramatic split showcased the tumultuous nature of their connection and the emotional scars left behind.

Through trauma and catharsis, Liv and Ingmar discovered an inexplicable strength that allowed them to rebuild a bridge between them. Despite the pain, they managed to transform their relationship into one of friendship, marked by mutual respect.

Both Liv and Ingmar continued their respective careers after their separation. Liv became a Hollywood superstar and engaged in humanitarian work as a UNICEF ambassador, while Ingmar married Ingrid Von Rosen and continued producing acclaimed works of cinema and theater.

Despite their separate paths, Liv and Ingmar collaborated on twelve films together, with Liv becoming the only woman to direct an Ingmar Bergman script for cinema. Their shared artistic endeavors demonstrated the enduring impact of their creative journey.

Even with their distinct lives and careers, Liv and Ingmar remained intertwined in each other's journeys. Their relationship, marked by challenges and creativity, continued to affect both their lives profoundly.

Despite 42 years of togetherness, public perception often reduced Liv to simply being one of Ingmar's actresses or muses. This complexity reflects the unique nature of their bond, both romantic and platonic.

The film 'Liv and Ingmar' serves as a tribute to their legendary relationship, exploring themes of love, friendship, and artistic collaboration. This documentary reveals intimate moments from their lives and celebrates their contributions to cinema and each other.

In this film, Liv shares her personal experiences, narratives from her book 'Changing', and Ingmar's love letters, which are presented to the audience for the first time. This deeply personal account adds a layer of authenticity to their shared story.