During the fall, Annie Granzell, TTELA's news chief, proposed producing a documentary centered on the Swedish bandy team, IFK Vänersborg, aiming to capture their season experience as they navigated through challenges and aspirations. The idea stemmed from the team's rollercoaster ride through relegation to their determined comeback, making it ripe for an engaging narrative. Granzell rather excitedly explained, "I want us to make a TV documentary where we follow IFK Vänersborg for an entire season, behind the scenes, so to speak.”
With plans to release the film this spring, Granzell and her team recognized the uniqueness of the 2023 season. Fans had witnessed the team's tears of disappointment when they were relegated from the elite league, only to be offered another chance when Motala surprisingly withdrew, granting IFK Vänersborg their place back. "These extraordinary circumstances really lay the perfect foundation for a compelling story,” Granzell added. For her, watching the club's determination to succeed feels suspenseful and emotionally charged.
This documentary marks TTELA's most ambitious venture yet, structured over five months with sports reporter Adam Andersson leading the charge armed merely with a mobile phone and microphone. He is granted access to previously private moments, from locker room discussions to the highs and lows of gamedays, capturing the raw emotions felt by players and coaching staff. “It’s gone very well but has also been quite challenging, especially with only two people on the sports desk,” Andersson admitted.
The choice to create this documentary arises from the media’s evolution—the notion of simply providing text and image is outdated. "It felt like the right time to test another form of storytelling," Granzell noted as fans increasingly engage with video content across various platforms. With TTELA’s previous Tiktok videos amassing notable views, the audience's appetite for such intimate portrayals can't be ignored.
The documentary is aptly titled “Tillsammans ska vi alltid gå” (“Together We Will Always Go”), deriving from one of the club’s songs and embodying the spirit of unity emphasized within the team. Andersson reflected on significant moments so far. "I’ve had deep discussions with players about their experiences over the past year. Many viewers will gain insights on what this sport and club truly mean to them,” said Andersson.
Light-hearted moments also pepper the filming, like when player Mikko Lukkarila forgot to bring his skates to match day, eliciting laughter from the group. This candidness showcases the balance between the seriousness of competition and the camaraderie of the team. Andersson has developed immense respect for the dedication required to compete at this level, especially for athletes who juggle work and commitments outside of the sport.
Tobias Johansson, the club manager, expresses positive sentiments about the project, seeing it as both enjoyable and beneficial for the team's reputation. “We want to be as open as possible,” he explained, emphasizing the significance of such exposure for the club's identity. “This documentary will provide visibility, which I believe many bandy fans across Sweden will want to see.” He envisions youth aspiring to understand what life is like within the elite sports world, prompted by the documentary.
Despite questions surrounding whether the bandy season’s aftermath could capture public interest, both the team and reporters remain confident. Granzell believes the documentary will break new ground, moving beyond typical sports reporting to provide something deeply relatable—showcasing humanity through the lens of bandy. This initiative is not only about celebrating the sport but also acknowledging the individuals committed to it.
Looking forward, the premiere is set to occur somewhere in Vänersborg, creating buzz within the community. Fans can expect emotional storytelling, genuine team spirit, and insights often shrouded from the media's traditional lens. With this documentary being described as relatable, Granzell aims to draw viewers who are unfamiliar with bandy and convey its dynamic essence.
All eyes will soon be on IFK Vänersborg as they navigate this pivotal season, bringing the community along on their tumultuous, passion-fueled ride to success and resilience. Will the documentary change perceptions of the sport and its players? Only time will tell, but expectations are high for this groundbreaking storytelling effort from TTELA.
