Synopsis

This gripping documentary tells the little-known story of ABBA’s struggle against the odds to ditch the post-Eurovision tag of ‘one-hit-wonder’. Facing protests in Sweden & UK radio bans, ABBA have to find their unique sound before conquering the global charts. But when ABBAmania kicks in, the pressure threatens the relationships at the heart of the band. Told through timeless hits and stunning archive footage, this film captures the incredible journey that led ABBA to greatness.

Program Note

ABBA: Against the Odds explores the story of the iconic band ABBA, who burst onto the scene with a sensational debut at the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest, winning with Waterloo and igniting a global phenomenon. While ABBA's songs remain famous today, partly due to the success of Mamma Mia film series, the band's identity and the backstory of their rise to fame amidst the tumultuous social and political climate of 1970s and 1980s Europe is relatively less known. ABBA: Against the Odds delves into their legendary beginnings, musical evolution, the conflicts arising from their sudden fame, and their personal stories. The film addresses the band's rise and fall, covering topics such as their unique image-making that sparked debates over kitsch, the media's sexism, and their failed American tour. It portrays the societal perceptions of the band, illustrating their struggles not just as celebrities but as artists pursuing their musical direction despite various prejudices, even at the peak of their success. Through fascinating archival materials and detailed direction, the film captures the band's destiny as they battled against the odds.The universal message of empathy conveyed through ABBA's music, and their tumultuous journey as a product of the show business industry, offer a compelling topic for reflection, resonating with audiences not only from that era but also today. (Choi Eunyoung)

Director

• 
  • James Rogan
  • James Rogan is a multi-award winning filmmaker, known for films such as the iEmmy and Rose d'Or winning Freddie Mercury: The Final Act(2021), and the three-part series Uprising(2021), which he directed with Sir Steve McQueen. This landmark series picked up a BAFTA and a Realscreen Award. James is the Creative Director of Rogan Productions, a multi-award-winning production company, with recent credits including feature documentaries The Final: Attack on Wembley(2024) for Netflix and the highly acclaimed three-part series Defiance: Fighting the Far Right(2024) for Channel 4.

Ticket Booking Guidelines

※ General Screenings: Tickets for general screenings can be reserved through the official website (www.jimff.org).

※ Cheongpung Land Ticket Box: Tickets for general screenings cannot be purchased or issued at the Cheongpung Land ticket box.

※ Mobile Tickets: When booking online through the official website (www.jimff.org), you can enter the venue using a mobile ticket without needing to issue a physical ticket.

※ Music Programs: Tickets for music programs booked through Melon Ticket can only be issued at the ticket box of the specific program venue.

Program Schedule

Trailer