12 EBU broadcasters unite for new documentary: ABBA – Against The Odds

This year marks 50 years since ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest 1974 in Brighton with the song "Waterloo." This will be celebrated in a unique collaboration in a documentary titled "ABBA – Against The Odds."

The documentary will be shown in more than 15 countries in the weeks leading up to Eurovision 2024 in Malmö.

The story of the group that became one of the world's biggest and best-selling music groups of all times includes rare clips and exclusive interviews. It's directed by James Rogan and produced by Dan Hall.

Unique collaboration

The documentary was developed by Danish DR and Swedish SVT, and the concept originated from the EBU Documentary Group. It is the largest ever collaboration of EBU members on a documentary production.

Matthew Trustram, Head of Television, EBU says:

– This is something of a landmark production for European public-service broadcasters, who have pulled together their biggest collaboration to date in the documentary space, to celebrate the music and influence of ABBA, a true European cultural phenomenon. By working together, the broadcasters have been able to deliver truly ambitious and impactful storytelling to their audiences.

Anders Bruus, Commissioning Editor, DR says:

– Never have so many TV stations collaborated to unfold the story of ABBA and their cultural significance. And when an idea from DR and SVT ends up engaging so many European TV stations in telling the story of a Swedish pop group, it shows the significance of ABBA over 50 years.

Axel Arnö, Head of Documentary, SVT says:

– The documentary is not only a celebration of ABBA's iconic music but also showcases the importance of our shared cultural heritage. The collaboration between so many European TV stations demonstrates how we can be united through music, art, and storytelling. ABBA's breakthrough in the Eurovision Song Contest 50 years ago and the current collaboration between TV stations are pivotal in bringing nations together then and now.

The documentary will premiere at Copenhagen's CPH:DOX on 23 March 2024, and will be broadcast in more than 15 countries throughout Europe ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö in May.

ABBA World in Malmö

Fans will be able to experience all the different parts of ABBA under one roof during Eurovision in Malmö, Sweden. Opening its doors on 29 April, ABBA World invites both new and old fans to explore parts of ABBA The Museum, ABBA Voyage, Mamma Mia!, Mamma Mia! The Party, and Polar Music International all at once.

Spread across two floors, this mini-exhibition and pop-up experience will create a space for ABBA fans to meet, share, and create memories together showcasing both the past and present of ABBA. Placed in the central parts of Malmö, ABBA World will be open for visitors for two weeks only at Södergatan 28 between 29 April and 12 May.

ABBA has been described as one of the world's most popular bands, and so far they've sold more than 150 million records worldwide.

The group released nine studio albums, two live albums, seven compilation albums, and 50 singles.

The major international breakthrough came in 1974 in the Eurovision Song Contest 1974 when they won with Waterloo.