Joanna Rytel (b. 1977) is a Swedish film director and screenwriter whose career spans almost two decades. Born in Stockholm, she studied film at the prestigious Dramatiska Institutet and graduated in 2002. Rytel has since become well-known for her distinct visual style and her uncompromising commitment to female-centric stories.
Rytel's feature debut, Allt Flyter (2008), was a critical hit, and earned her a Guldbagge Award nomination for Best Director. This was followed by Dolls (2010) and Élise (2015), both of which received international acclaim and were selected for prestigious festivals such as Cannes and Berlin. Her comedy series, Svensson Svensson (2012-2013), was a huge success in Sweden, and won Rytel her first Guldbagge for Best Screenplay.
Rytel's most recent work is the critically acclaimed feature film, The Giant (2018). This story of a woman living with mental illness was praised for its sensitive portrayal of mental health issues, and won Rytel her second Guldbagge, this time for Best Director.
Rytel’s films often focus on characters who are marginalized and overlooked in society. She is particularly interested in examining the often hidden struggles of women, and her films often feature female protagonists in lead roles. Rytel also often uses her films to explore issues of identity, family dynamics, and mental health.
Rytel has said that she is inspired by the works of Swedish filmmakers Ingmar Bergman and Roy Andersson, as well as the French New Wave. She has also cited the works of Guy Maddin and Aki Kaurismäki as influences.
Regardless of what project she is working on, Rytel always plays an active role in the creative process. This includes not only directing and writing, but also editing and production design. Her dedication to her craft and her commitment to telling powerful stories have earned her a well-deserved place in the Swedish film industry.
