Film “Queen Silvia” Sold in Beta, Heads to Royal Screening at Mipcom, and Follows a Woman Who Never Wanted to Marry a Prince: “This Is Not a Cinderella Story”

The beta film “Queen Silvia” will be screened at Mipcom. Inspired by the real-life romance between Swedish Crown Prince Carl Gustaf and Silvia Sommerlath, a German-Brazilian interpreter who became Queen of Sweden, the film stars Alicia von Rittberg and Edwin Andre. Although this is a very European story, people will see that […]

"Queen Silvia", inspired by the true love between Sweden's Crown Prince Carl Gustaf and Silvia Summerlatt, will be released by Prime Video in German-speaking Europe and Nordic countries.

"Queen Sylvia" beta film debuts at Mipcom.

Inspired by the true love between Sweden's Crown Prince Carl Gustaf and Sylvia Sommerlath, a German-Brazilian translator who became Queen of Sweden, the film stars Alicia von Rietberg and Edwin André.

"Even though it's a very European story, people will see that it's global and can be sold - and watched - from Tokyo to Buenos Aires," says executive producer Justus Riesenkampff. RELATED STORIES Quavo Says Migos Bandmate's Death Has Reduced His 'Friction' With Offset: 'It Doesn't Get Harder'

The series is a co-production of Pajama Pictures (Germany) and Unlimited Stories (Sweden) for Prime Video in Germany, Austria and German-speaking Switzerland and Nordic countries, as well as for SAT.1 in Germany. Popular in Variety

"In Germany, we're also fascinated by royal families. We found out that we actually have a queen: Silvia Sommerlatt, who is part German and part Brazilian," Alexander tells Variety.

"These two had something the other was missing. Summerlot had grown up between two different cultures and was looking for a home. Carl Gustaf had it, but you could also call it a prison. Sylvia, he found someone who loved him for who he really was, and that gave him the strength to play his part."

Carl Gustaf has publicly stated that he must find a queen for Sweden. Dating was difficult for her because she needed someone who could "get the job done." Edwin Andre says Sylvia was much better at it than ever.

However, it is important to note that he was a fully formed human before he even set foot in the royal court.

He wasn't looking for someone to "complete" him. He used to be very independent. But how do you fit into a world where you have to let go of what you've built for yourself, wonders Alicia von Rietberg?

The couple met in 1972. They got engaged four years later.

For royals, that's a long time. We asked: What happened in these four years? That's where we found the heart of our story. This is not about a woman who wants to be queen. It's about a woman who has to deal with it. "This is not a Cinderella story," adds show host Carsten Kleber.

Silvia said in an interview: I am glad that I was given a lot of time to make a decision. He said this while sitting right next to her, meaning she probably already asked the question. It breaks the usual narrative because it's not about 'when is he going to ask?!'

They wanted to show someone unaffected by his new environment. Instead, he is trying to find his place in them.

"I don't think he was even that impressed," laughs von Rietberg, and his co-star says.

He continued: "He became king at 27 and spent his whole life resenting the many things he had to do. Their children were allowed to marry for love and I think that shows how they decided to change things in the monarchy."

The team says that despite the growing criticism and the never-ending stream of scandals that plague royal families almost everywhere, people want to keep watching.

"I lived with my parents in the UK and ever since, I've been obsessed with the monarchy. Even if you're against it, you have an opinion about it. I don't think they'll ever go away," Kleber notes.

Von Rietberg says that while future chapters will delve deeper into themes of duty and responsibility, the first chapter is really about love. Alexander adds that all filmmakers want to tell a good love story.

"How do you find a good one? Only when there are limitations, conflicts or reasons two people can't be together. In modern societies, there really aren't many barriers anymore. That's why it's so attractive."

However, Kleber prefers to call "Queen Sylvia" a "romantic drama" instead. "I prefer that term because we get really deep. It's fine to call it a 'love story,' but that seems a bit simplistic to me. Which we're not, thank God."