Our Scandinavian identity is founded on values and driven by storytelling. Together with the Swedish menswear magazine Scandinavian MAN, we've gathered eight personalities that innovate our times within music, movies, food, and interiors.

Meet Gustaf Hammarsten, one of Sweden’s most recognised actors.

Photography Dan Sjölund.

Gustaf Hammarsten had his breakthrough in the movie ’Together’, directed by Lukas Moodysson, and has since made international appearances in movies such as ’Brüno’and ’The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo’. Last year, he appeared in Jonas Åkerlund’s movie, ’Lords of Chaos’. The next step for Gustaf is writing his own stories and taking control over the whole story.

What does your background mean for you as a storyteller?

When I grew up in the 70s and 80s I was not the most obvious hero or ”hunk”, being a skinny pale redhead with freckles. That kind of fed my underdog perspective.The feeling of having so much to give but no one expecting anything from you. Either that makes you weak and you consider yourself beaten or it triggers you. For me it was gasoline for showing everybody the real me.

When do you feel the most inspired?

Sometimes when I’ve seen or heard great stories from others, well told, I get the feeling that I can do that too. Great stories often seem easy and uncomplicated. But to tell something important in an easy way is often much more difficult than it seems. That’s what everyone in the movies or in theatre struggles for. But some people just do it and don’t consider. Sometimes you need a little hubris to get somewhere.

What is the most important theme for you to convey in your storytelling?

When I was younger I was very focused on the story of my own role, the character. Was it big, challenging, etcetera. Now the overall story in a movie or a play is important to me. What does it say? Who does it speak to? Why are we telling this particular story?

How important is your appearance for your ability to convey your message?

Appearance is always a part of any visual storytelling. The written world is still anonymous. But as an actor you are a visual storyteller. So, it’s important. But overall Iwish appearance wouldn’t be that important. But often there is no time to see beyond appearance in our world. So, we miss the genuine stories. But if you want to be understood by workers on the factory floor then you shouldn’t turn up in a tuxedo and silk gloves and expect them to listen to you.

What is your next step as an artist?

As an actor, you often come in late as a piece of a bigger story already written. Then you have to find your character’s own story. That is interesting if you have a good part to work with. But I’m getting more interested in taking control of the whole story. Writing my own stories.

What values do you most value in others?

Honesty is one thing everyone needs around them. And respect for who you are. When I have the time and patience to meet people  Inormally would think I have nothing in common with, I often become surprised by what I can learn from them. Justice is also important for me. Unfairness makes me rage.

How important is your Scandinavian identity?

I am actually quite proud of my Scandinavian heritage. When it comes tot houghts and ideas on solidarity, children, equality between gender and races, we have come much further than many other countries.