We all remember A$AP Rocky’s 2019 stint in a Swedish prison, which made headlines around the world. Now Rocky is finally telling the story in his own words in a new documentary, Stockholm Syndrome, premiering at Tribeca Film Festival.
Directed by The Architects, the 105-minute film blends archival footage with contemporary interviews, animation, and electrifying live concert footage to tell the astonishing story of how Rocky became embroiled in an international incident and the political repercussions of it. The film features appearances from Kim Kardashian, Naomi Campbell, Tyler, the Creator, Michèle Lamy, and A$AP Ferg.
"The film reveals Rocky’s experience with the inequities of the Swedish judicial system and the dangers of stardom and scapegoating through a series of twists and turns, ultimately paralleling the need for prison reform in our own backyard," Loren Hammonds, Tribeca's Senior Programmer Film & Immersive, explained.
Rocky spent over a month in a Swedish detention center awaiting trial following a street brawl in Stockholm in June 2019. The circumstances of his arrest drew widespread outrage, eventually leading then-President Donald Trump to get involved and negotiate for his release. Rocky was eventually found guilty by a Swedish court, but did not have to serve additional jail time.
In a recent interview with GQ, the rapper spoke about his time inside. “I never thought that things that I imagined while I was in jail would come true,” he said. “And everything that I envisioned in prison came to fruition. ‘Cause I guess I manifested it. And I prayed! I really wanted to bless that situation and move on from it in a positive way. I was praying to stay strong, and God got me through shit like it was nothing! That shit was nothing.”
Stockholm Syndrome will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival as part of its Juneteenth programming on Sunday, June 13, at 8 PM. You can buy tickets here.
