Directed, shot, and edited by Lukas Dong in 2013, this six-minute film centers on Jan Hartman, Dong’s uncle, and his salmon-fishing business on the remote Swedish island of Grindö. The documentary offers an intimate look at both the labor and the lifestyle involved in salmon farming, capturing the rhythms of a family-run operation and the unique environment of the Swedish archipelago. Through its focus on his uncle and the broader context of the fishing industry, Dong blends personal storytelling with documentary observation, creating a portrait that is at once familial and culturally specific.

Produced when Dong was only seventeen, Rökt Lax showcases his ambition and technical skill at a young age. According to festival program notes, the production involved physical challenges, including maneuvering filming equipment around the farm while working close to the salmon. Initially conceived as a short family portrait, Dong expanded the project mid-production to develop a more substantial documentary, demonstrating early maturity in narrative decision-making. The film’s visual style and approach were influenced by the work of filmmaker Philip Bloom, highlighting Dong’s interest in cinematic craft even in short-format storytelling.

Rökt Lax was well-received on the festival circuit, screening at multiple U.S. festivals (including the very first edition of our own Y-CAM Film Festival in 2014) and winning four awards, reflecting the impact of Dong’s work despite his young age. The film not only documents a specific industry but also preserves the memory and experience of family heritage, offering a thoughtful exploration of labor, place, and generational connection. As one of Lukas Dong’s earliest projects, Rökt Lax laid the foundation for his later filmmaking career, which encompasses documentaries, branded content, and other narrative shorts, emphasizing his continued focus on visual storytelling and human-centered narratives.