Table of Contents
Three Key Takeaways
- Markus Johansson crafted Test as a minimalist one-take film capturing the tension of a driving test, born from a spontaneous spark and realized on a tight budget.
- The film’s production hinged on weather conditions and an innovative camera rig that allowed safe, actor-driven car shots, reflecting creative problem-solving.
- Test embodies Johansson’s commitment to simple, relatable stories with clear dilemmas, and the film’s reception reinforces his passion for this storytelling style.
Swedish filmmaker Markus Johansson brings a strikingly simple yet tension-filled story to Nòt Film Fest with his short film Test.
Starring Josefin Neldén and Olof Lissbrant, and supported by a skilled crew including producer Astrid Stang-Lund Sanne and director of photography Mårten Stenberg, the film unfolds in a single, extended take during a driving test at the Swedish Transport Administration.
Johansson’s approach highlights his love for one-take storytelling and his knack for turning everyday situations into gripping cinema.
Q&A Interview
What drew you to make this film? Why this story, and why now?
It started when I was walking around in my home town, a form of the story just came to me. We had failed to get the funding for our next short, me and my producer, and this idea could work on a smaller budget. So I called her up and we discussed it and went back and forth. That led to me writing the script later that day and 4 weeks later we shot it. I really enjoy shooting one-takes and this film fitted into that very well. I also like the simplicity of this one situation with a clear dilemma and (hopefully) relatable characters. That's the kind of short films I enjoy watching myself too.
What surprised you most about the filmmaking process this time—creatively or logistically? Was there a moment on set or in post that completely changed how you saw the story?
Maybe I didn't fully grasp how dependent we were on it being cloudy. In the start they were facing the sun with the head of the car and later on they were in a wooded area, so when the clouds parted in the afternoon we had only got three takes since they were all about 35 minutes each. Thankfully we got it on the second take!
What was the hardest creative decision you made while making this film?
The script had another scene in it, which tied up the story. But we decided on the day to just make it the one scene and it turned out to be the better choice.
"I really enjoy shooting one-takes and this film fitted into that very well."
What do you hope audiences take away from your film?
"A couple of people that have seen it have asked me what happens next when the movie ends, that's a good take away I guess."
How has this film shaped or shifted the kind of stories you want to tell next?
It hasn't really shaped or shifted what kind of stories that I want to tell next, but it is in line with what kind of films I have made before and further asserted me in that this is how I enjoy telling a story.
What’s a tool, technique, or resource that really helped you during production? (Think software, camera gear, collaborators, or even a mindset shift.)
That Mårten, the DP, managed to create such a stable and practical camera rig that made it possible for the actor to drive the car himself in a safe way.
Independent filmmakers often rewrite the rules out of necessity. What do you think is the greatest strength of independent filmmaking, and how did you lean into that on this project? Is there a lesson or breakthrough you’d share with others navigating this path?
This project had the shortest time from idea to finished film, yet have had the best reception of the ones I've directed. I guess the take away from that is that anything can work as long as you believe in the core concept of the film, regardless of the surrounding conditions.
"Anything can work as long as you believe in the core concept of the film, regardless of the surrounding conditions."
What does it mean to you to have your film selected for Nòt Film Fest?
A lot. Every chance to have the film screened is great, but this feels extra special and I look forward to attending the festival.
How do you hope being part of Nòt Film Fest will shape the life of this film?
I hope I get the chance to meet a lot of other film makers and that the film hopefully will have a long run.
Where do you see this film going next? (Are you expanding it into a feature? Hitting more festivals? Releasing online?)
Hopefully it will screen at more festivals the coming year.
"At the core of all my work is a desire to enjoy creating it."
Cast & Crew
- Josefin Neldén — Lead actor
- Olof Lissbrant — Lead actor
- Markus Johansson — Director, Writer, Editor
- Mårten Stenberg — Director of Photography
- Astrid Stang-Lund Sanne — Producer
- Lisbeth Syrén — Makeup Artist
- David Kuuse — Sound Designer
- Alexander Vikström — Grade
