#HOTDOCS: “7 YEARS OF LUKAS GRAHAM”

By George Kozera

Lukas Graham achieved fame and critical success in a relatively short amount of time. With having access to the group years before they made it big worldwide, 7 YEARS OF LUKAS GRAHAM is a fascinating account of a group starting small then gaining momentum, overcoming barricades and hitting milestone after milestone. A number one hit. Numerous Grammy nominations. Dealing with the death of a parent, then finally become a parent themselves. What is most admirable about what this Documentary presents is its complete honesty in the portrayal. Rather than going the standard rags-to-riches route, whitewashing anything that can be perceived as negative, this Movie is brutally honest. To be perfectly frank, lead singer, Lukas Forchhammer, does not come across as someone you’d really want to hang out and a have a beer with. He can be petty and petulant and obstinate. He is also supremely talented and must be very secure with himself to allow to be seen warts and all and not use his power as a celebrity to censor the “seamier” scenes.

This is an accomplished Documentary. I enjoyed all the music and concert scenes. I enjoyed the interactions between the band members and their managers and producers. “7 Years” is a genuinely catchy pop song and 7 YEARS OF LUKAS GRAHAM is authentically unique and entertaining.