SE PTE M BE R 20 -22 201 6
SCREENINGS INDUSTRY PROGRAMME CLUBS & NETWORKING EVENTS
TUESDAY 20 09:00 JILL & JOY’S WINTER
10:00
TH EATRES
11:00
SAVOY THEATRE Kasarmikatu 46
12:00
KINOPALATSI Kaisaniemenkatu 2 ORION Eerikinkatu 15
13:00
14:00
09.30 | 83’ Savoy Theatre
RICKY RAPPER AND THE NIGHTHAWK 13.00 | 72’ Savoy Theatre SPANDEX SAPIENS 13.45 | 87’ Kinopalatsi 9
15:00
MAIN VENUES KINOPALATSI Kaisaniemenkatu 2 HOTEL RADISSON BLU PLAZA Mikonkatu 23 DUBROVNIK BAR Eerikinkatu 11 LÖYLY Hernesaarenranta 4 ASTORIA Iso Roobertinkatu 14
HOW TO BUILD A SUCCESSFUL GOLDEN GLOBES AND ACADEMY AWARDS CAMPAIGN
16:00 THE HAPPIEST DAY IN THE LIFE OF OLLI MÄKI
17:00
16.15 | 93’ Kinopalatsi 9
15:00 | Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza see page 23
18:00 FLOWERS OF EVIL
19:00
18.30 | 105’ Savoy Theatre
20:00 THE OPENING PARTY OF THE FINNISH FILM AFFAIR
21:00
22.00
20:00 | Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza see page 27
SERBEDZIJA LIBERATED 22.30 | Dubrovnik Bar see page 27
W ED NESDAY 21
THURSDAY 22
HEAVYSAURS THE MOVIE
WORKS IN PROGRESS SHOWCASE
INDUSTRY PANEL
09.30 | 85’ Orion
9:30 | Kinopalatsi 2
see page 24
09.30 | Kinopalatsi 2
see page 28
NETWORKING LUNCH 11:45-12:45
N ETWORKING LUNCH 12:30-13:30
THE MINE 13.00 | 97’ Orion
GOLD DIGGER 13:45 | 98’ Kinopalatsi 10
PROJECT CONSULTING SESSIONS 13.00 | Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza, Business Lounge see page 29
ONE-ON-ONE MEETINGS 15:30 | Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza, Business Lounge
DEVIL’S BRIDE 15.45 | 110’ Kinopalatsi 9
SUMMER GUARD 16.15 | 55’ Kinopalatsi 10
OFF THE MAP 16:30 | 99’ Kinopalatsi 10
DIVING INTO THE UNKNOWN
SAUNA TRIP TO LÖYLY
18.15 | 85’ Kinopalatsi 9
By Invitation only
LAKE BODOM 20.45 | 85’ Kinopalatsi 9
CIRCLES & STONES 16:15 | 90’ Kinopalatsi 8
18:00 | Löyly see page 27
SAMURAI RAUNI 21.00 | 80’ Savoy Theatre
WRAP UP PARTY OF THE FINNISH FILM WEEK 21.00 | Astoria
ESTONIA-CLUB 22:00 | Dubrovnik bar see page 27
see page 27
Fresh ideas wanted. We finance ambitious Finnish business plans to world-class success stories. Go ahead, pitch us your plan for film industry at tekes.fi.
The Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation
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TABL E O F C ONTENTS
INTRO DUCTIO N....................................................... 7 G ENER A L I NFO RM ATI O N....................................... 8 F I NNI SH F I L M A F FA I R L I N E U P F I CTI O N........................ .............................. 10 - 17 DO CUM ENTA RI ES ......... .............................. 1 8-21 SEL ECTI O N O F SCA NDI NAVIAN , RUSSI A N A ND ESTO NI A N FIL M S......................... 22 I NDUSTRY PRO G R A M M E...................................... 23 I NDUSTRY PA NEL.............. .............................. 24 -26 NET WO RKI NG EVENTS & CLU BS........................ 27 WO RKS I N PRO G RESS A N D WO RKS I N DEVELO PM ENT SH OWCASE PRO G R A M M E ..................... .................................... 28 PROJ ECT C O NS ULTI NG SESSIO N S..................... 29 WO RKS I N PRO G RESS FIL M S.................. 30 -40 WO RKS I N DEVELO PM ENT FIL M S............ 41-50 C O NTACT DETA I LS. .......... .................................... 51 I NTERNATI O NA L G UESTS.............................. 53-56 M A P O F TH E VENUES. .......................................... 59
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F I N N I SH F ILM AFFAIR
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F I N N I SH F ILM AFFAIR
INTRODUCTION Welcome to the Finnish Film Affair. Already in its fifth edition, the FFA is not that young anymore. From its previous editions we have learned how much effort is required to build an acknowledged platform that serves both the local and international industry. But we have also witnessed concrete results, proving the importance of such an event.
W e h o pe you w i l l h ave a f i l m a f fa i r to re m e m b e r !
During these last 5 years, the Finnish film industry has grown stronger and I like to think we played a part in this. From last year’s Work in Progress project, Juho Kuosmanen’s The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki winning the Un Certain Regard Prize at Cannes Film Festival, to Selma Vilhunen’s Little Wing premiering at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, these are the clear signs that the new generation of Finnish filmmakers is finally breaking through.
After last year’s successful panel focused on the U.S. market, it has been a pleasure to notice the growing interest towards the relatively small Finnish film industry. Moreover, the visit of the HFPA delegation kick started a successful awards campaign and we are very proud of the Golden Globe nomination for The Fencer, directed by Klaus Härö. Therefore, it seemed obvious to continue the U.S focus and we are planning to give the same kind of boost for Finnish films during this year’s edition. Even though last year ended up being the most successful edition of the FFA with regards to sales, this year’s line up seems even more promising. We will present highly anticipated works by acclaimed directors, in addition to works by upcoming filmmakers that have already piqued international interest. We hope you will have a Film Affair to Remember. Sara & the FFA Team
Sara Norberg Executive Director Helsinki International Film Festival – Love & Anarchy
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G E N E R A L INFORMATION G ENERAL INFORMATION FOR ATTENDING INDUSTRY GUESTS
MEET THE STAFF SARA N ORBERG
Executive Director of HIFF sara@hiff.fi Mobile. +358 40 591 6171
You will find the Finnish Film Affair info at the lobby of Radisson Blu Plaza hotel, where all the international guests will be staying. Please note, that attending the events of the Finnish Film Affair requires a Finnish Film Affair accreditation and that in addition the events may require signing up in advance.
LAURA LAAKSON E N
Finnish Film Affair Producer laura@hiff.fi Mobile. +358 50 348 6132
Tickets - Invited international guests: please refer to the separate instructions in your welcoming pack or ask FFA staff members (industry@hiff.fi).
JUULIA KLEMOLA
- Accredited Finnish film professionals: please refer to the information you received through the accreditation process.
Finnish Film Affair Coordinator juulia@hiff.fi Mobile. +358 44 055 0104
- Note that there is a restricted amount of tickets available per screening.
ANN I W ESSMAN
All the films listed in this catalogue are subtitled in English and spoken in their original language.
Finnish Film Week Producer anni@hiff.fi Mobile. +358 50 520 7369
ONLINE SCREE NING LIBRARY : FESTIVAL SCOPE PRO
MARTA BALAGA
Finnish Film Affair Matchmaker marta@hiff.fi Mobile. +358 41 749 8544
The Helsinki International Film Festival and the Finnish Film Affair have extended their collaboration with the online library platform Festival Scope. A rich selection of the festival titles and Finnish films are available for buyers and press delegates to view during the festival, and some afterwards as well. All buyer and media guests have received an email from join@festivalscope.com to access the service. Finnish Film Affair Line Up films have their own section under the HIFF library.
USEFUL C ONTACTS
FFA Info desk (20.9.-22.9.) at Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza FFA phone +358403716855 FFA email industry@hiff.fi HIFF info desk at Kinopalatsi Taxi +358 100 0700 Tourist information +358 9 3101 3300
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FI NN I SH FILM AFFAIR LINE UP
F I L M L I N E UP
FICTION
BO RN I N HE I N O LA The film is based on real events and it gives not only the early steps of the band but also the family stories of the band members and shortcut to the life in the 90’s recession in a small town.
This is the story of four Finnish teenage boys and an American exchange student girl growing up during the devastating 90’s recession. They live in the small, industrial timber town of Heinola. As the parents of these young teens struggle through hard economic times, the five very different youths meet by coincidence to form the punk band Apulanta. The boys face adolescent problems and their first broken hearts while keeping up with the band. The film reveals the early stage story of one of the most famous Finnish bands.
Sat 17/09 | 13:45 | Kinopalatsi 10 Original title: Teit meistä kauniin Genre: Drama Language: Finnish Director: Tuukka Temonen Production Company: Optipari Producers: Tuukka Temonen, Olga Temonen Contact: tuukka.temonen@optipari.fi,
ABOUT TH E DIRECTOR
Tuukka Temonen has directed music videos and documentary films for two decades. He is also an ex-band member of Apulanta. Born in Heinola is his debut feature film.
mobile. +358 50 301 9496 World sales: Available Duration: 110 min
D EVI L’S B RI D E A true story of passion and betrayal set against the growing hysteria of a lethal witch hunt anno 1666 in Åland.
In 1666 Judge Psilander sets out to clean up the superstition and let common sense prevail as he begins a new and powerful position on the island of Åland. The intelligent, yet stubborn, Anna is afforded an intimate view of the events, having just started working as a maid in the judge’s house. To her misfortune, she falls intensely in love with her friend Rakel’s husband Elias, but his infatuation with her quickly fades. A hurt and jealous Anna decides to get her revenge and falsely reports Rakel. It’s only when Rakel is arrested and things get out of hand, that Anna realizes the gravity of her behavior. This is the beginning of a desperate attempt to right her wrongdoing.
Wed 21/09 | 15:45 | Kinopalatsi 9 Original title: Tulen morsian Genre: Drama Language: Swedish, Finnish Director: Saara Cantell Production Company: Periferia Productions Producer: Markku Flink Contact: markku@periferiaproductions.fi,
ABOUT TH E DIRECTOR
mobile.+358 40 516 6504 World sales: Trust Nordisk Duration: 110 min
Saara Cantell is a director and screenwriter. She has written and directed numerous short films as well as five feature films. Cantell was voted Finland’s best film director in 2010, and was awarded a State Film Arts Prize. Her film Heartbeats received 7 Jussi Award nominations, including Best Director.
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F LOW E RS O F EVI L Flowers of Evil is an edgy, topical and ragged story of a family trying to survive the pressures of restlessness.
Breathing with the rhythm of street music, Flowers of Evil is an edgy, topical and ragged story of a family trying to survive the pressures of restlessness. Sipe has a touching relationship with his stepbrother Juno and his family, which is the main focus of our story. The brothers struggle with life on a powder keg housing estate, one choosing punk rock and education, the other crime and confrontation. Torn both ways, their father tries to hold the family together. Threats simmer, until unrest breaks out in a riot and police overreaction lights the fuse and despair finally boils over – with fatal results. Flowers of Evil is a social commentary on the problems of suburban life in Helsinki.
Tue 20/09 | 18:30 | Savoy Theatre Original title: Pahan kukat Genre: Drama Language: Finnish Director: Antti J. Jokinen Production Company: Solar Films Producer: Jukka Helle, Markus Selin Contact: markus.selin@solarfilms.com,
ABOUT TH E DIRECTOR
Antti J. Jokinen (b. 1968) is ranked as one of the most requested music video directors worldwide. During the past few years he has directed the feature films The Resident (2011), Purge (2012), and The Midwife (Finnish box office hit, 2015). Flowers of Evil is his fourth feature film.
mobile. +358 40 047 0332 World sales: Picture Tree International GmbH Duration: 105 min
G O LD D I G G E R Gold Digger is a story about a girl who doesn’t know how to be poor and about a boy, who doesn’t know how to be rich.
Marja is a fashion blogger, trying very hard to live up to the lifestyle she has envisioned for herself. In reality, she is broke and does not make any money with her blog. By chance, Marja meets Olavi, an heir to a large fortune. Olavi tries hard not to appear rich: he works at a warehouse pretending to be normal and independent, which he clearly isn’t. Gold Digger is a story about a girl who doesn’t know how to be poor and about a boy, who doesn’t know how to be rich.
Thu 22/09 | 13:45 | Kinopalatsi 10 Original title: Onnenonkija Genre: Comedy Language: Finnish Director: Ville Jankeri Production Company: Helsinki-filmi Producer: Annika Sucksdorff, Miia Haavisto Contact: annika.sucksdorff@helsinkifilmi.fi,
ABOUT TH E DIRECTOR
Ville Jankeri (b. 1976) graduated from the National Film and Television School with an MA in Directing Fiction. Selected for the Berlin Today Award competition in 2007, The Last Wash premiered at the Berlinale in 2008. Sixpack (2011), his first feature was both a critical and commercial success.
mobile. +358 50 596 8089 World sales: Media Luna Duration: 88 min
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THE HAPPIEST DAY IN THE LIFE OF OLLI MÄKI This stunning, uncompromising and humorous tourde-force by a new generation of filmmakers received its world premiere at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, winning the esteemed Un Certain Regard prize.
Tue 20/09 | 16:15 | Kinopalatsi 9 Thu 22/09 | 18:00 | Kino Tapiola Original title: Hymyilevä mies Genre: Drama Language: English Director: Juho Kuosmanen Production Company: Aamu Film Company Producer: Jussi Rantamäki Contact: rantamaki@aamufilmcompany.fi, mobile. +358 40 735 5977 World sales: Les Films du Losange Duration: 93 min
The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki tells the inspiring true story of a man who is presented with the opportunity of a lifetime. At the Olympic Stadium in two weeks’ time, he will have a shot at the World Featherweight Boxing Championship title. But now Olli has to drop a weight class and every seat in the house must be filled to cover the expenses. Everything depends on Olli. But he’s got a problem. In the midst of his intense training, he’s fallen madly in love with Raija. Dragged from the Finnish countryside to the hustle and bustle of Helsinki, Olli would much rather spend his time with Raija than just train, take meetings with sponsors, or pose in fight prep mode for the cameras. ABOUT TH E DIRECTOR
Juho Kuosmanen (b. 1979) is a Helsinki based filmmaker. His short films have won prizes at acclaimed festivals including Cannes Cinéfondation and Locarno. Alongside his studies at ELO Helsinki Film School, Kuosmanen has also acted and directed stage theater and worked closely with avant-garde opera.
H E AVYSAURS THE M OVIE Heavysaurs The Movie is a family film by Pekka Karjalainen based on beloved characters from a Finnish children’s heavy metal band formed in 2009, which so far has released seven popular albums.
Wed 21/09 | 9:30 | Orion Original title: Hevisaurus-elokuva Genre: Family/Adventure Language: Finnish Director: Pekka Karjalainen Production Company: Solar Films Producer: Nina Laurio Contact: nina.laurio@solarfilms.com,
mobile. +358 50 336 6393 World sales: EastWest Film Distribution Duration: 85 min
Heavysaurs The Movie is a family adventure about two kids who make an exciting discovery. They come across some truly incredible creatures, far more exciting than bears. Turns out, not all dinosaurs are extinct – apparently, some are still alive and kicking. And really into heavy metal music. Heavysaurs’ eggs somehow survived the mass extinction 65 million years ago and with the help of a giant lightning bolt and some friendly witches, Jurassic metal dinosaurs were hatched. Inevitably, they quickly attract unwanted attention. Soon, the kids have to come face to face with a challenging situation; it’s up to them to save the dinosaurs from the clutches of Maxim, a greedy, ruthless businessman. ABOUT TH E DIRECTOR
Pekka Karjalainen (b. 1961) is a director and a Jussi-awarded sound designer and sound mixer. As a composer, he has scored music for more than 30 films, TV series and documentaries. His feature films include Gimme Some Respect (2010) and Mr. Hayhill (2011). Heavysaurs The Movie (2015) is his sixth feature. 12
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JILL AND JOY’S WINTE R Jill and Joy’s Winter is a magical story about friendship and accepting what it means to be different. The girls learn that the fate of the world depends on how we treat the most vulnerable.
Jill and Joy live in their own house like any other little girls, except that they might be a little happier than most little girls, as they get to live in their own house specifically designed for the two. One December evening a small car, barely the size of a shoebox, pulls up in front their house, and a teensy-weensy family gets out; it’s the McTiny family. The family was left homeless after a road roller smashed their home. Planning to live with the girls temporarily, the family moves in with Jill and Joy but soon find out not all big people have good intentions towards them. Jill and Joy’s Winter is based on the beloved book by the same name, by Finnish writer Marjatta Kurenniemi.
Tue 20/09 | 09:30 | Savoy Theatre Original title: Onnelin ja Annelin talvi Genre: Family Language: Finnish Director: Saara Cantell Production Company: Zodiak Finland Producers: Teea Hyytiä, Sari Lempiäinen Contact: teea.hyytia@zodiakfinland.fi,
moblie. +359 40 831 2758 World sales: The Annex Entertainment, Inc. Duration: 83 min
ABOUT TH E DIRECTOR
Saara Cantell (b. 1968) is a film director, screenwriter, Doctor of Arts and mother of three. She has directed numerous short films, feature films and children’s TV series, winning awards at festivals worldwide. She is currently working on the sequel to Jill and Joy’s Winter, set for a January 2017 release.
LAKE BO D O M Lake Bodom is a campsite horror film inspired by true event, and has previously been coined by Variety as “one of Scandinavia’s most anticipated elevated genre imports”. Taneli Mustonen, director of the biggest cinematic hit of the decade, Reunion, will next take you to the mythical shores of Lake Bodom. Inspired by events from the tragic murder case of 1960, the film sees four teenagers arriving at Lake Bodom, intending to finally resolve what exactly happened that infamous night half a century ago, and has shaken the Finnish people to their very core. With its anticipated domestic premiere in August, the film has already garnered international attention, notably from Variety and Empire. The script is co-written by Mustonen and producer Aleksi Hyvärinen, and the film produced by Don Films.
Wed 21/09 | 20:45 | Kinopalatsi 10 Original title: Bodom Genre: Horror Language: Finnish Director: Taneli Mustonen Production Company: Don Films Producer: Aleksi Hyvärinen Contact: aleksi@donfilms.fi,
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
mobile. +358 50 551 4561 World sales: Film Constellation Duration: 85 min
Lake Bodom is the third feature from Taneli Mustonen, director of Reunion, Finland’s biggest box office hit of the decade. Mustonen was recently named by Variety as one of the Ten Nordic Talents to Track. He is currently working on his fourth feature, Reunion 2, which will hit cinemas this autumn. 13
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LAPLAND O DYSSEY 2 The sequel to Finland’s most popular domestic movie of 2010, Lapland Odyssey 2 is a crazy one-night adventure, only this time around something much more fast-moving is missing.
Sat 17/09 | 16:15 | Kinopalatsi 10 Original title: Napapiirin sankarit 2 Genre: Comedy Language: Finnish Director: Teppo Airaksinen Production Company: Yellow Film & TV Producer: Jarkko Hentula, Olli Haikka Contact: jarkko.hentula@yellowfilm.fi, mobile. +358 40 7050603 World sales: Available Duration: 90 min
It’s been three years since we last met Janne and Inari, who now have a daughter named Lumi. When Räihänen arrives from the South with his girlfriend Marjukka for a visit, the ladies want to have a wild girls’ night out. The guys are reluctantly left to babysit one year-old Lumi. Janne insists Lumi is a deep sleeper, so it’s totally fine for them head out to a raucous wedding in Ylläs. But they encounter a few unexpected twists, and soon the guys are searching the Lapland night for something far more precious and quickermoving than a digibox. Meanwhile, the ladies are partying it up at a luxury hotel owned by Inari’s ex, Little Mikko. And what happens on girls’ night, stays on girls’ night. ABOUT TH E DIRECTOR
Lapland Odyssey 2 is Teppo Airaksinen’s second feature film. His first was football comedy Fanatics, in 2012. He has also directed several TV series, most notably award winning cult comedy series “Kimmo”. He is currently developing his next feature, a biopic about infamous pop/rock singer Juice Leskinen.
LITTLE W I N G Delving into the hopes of a young girl who wants to find her father, the debut feature film from Academy Award nominated Selma Vilhunen reflects how there is more than one way to love and be a family.
Thu 15/09 | 20:45 | Savoy Theatre Original title: Tyttö nimeltä Varpu Genre: Drama Language: Finnish Director: Selma Vilhunen Production Company: Making Movies Producer: Kaarle Aho, Kai Nordberg Contact: kaarle.aho@mamo.fi, mobile. +358 40 725 3936 World sales: Media Luna New Films Duration: 100 min
Little Wing tells the story of Varpu, a 12-year-old girl who rides ponies and goes to school, but whose mother doesn’t know how to treat her daughter as a child – instead, Varpu is already her equal. One night Varpu gets fed up with her mother’s complaining and her riding buddies teasing, and feels disappointed in a boy she has a crush on. She steals a car and drives across the country to Oulu, where the father she has never met supposedly lives. But he isn’t exactly what she had expected him to be. The encounter and his surprise arrival in Helsinki triggers something in Varpu and Siru’s life; they realize what their roles in their relationship and in the world are. ABOUT TH E DIRECTOR
Selma Vilhunen (b. 1976) is an Oscar-nominated director and screenwriter of fiction and documentary films, as well as coowner of Helsinki-based Tuffi Films. Her documentary shorts have been lauded, and her short film Do I Have to Take Care of Everything? (2012) was nominated for an Academy Award.
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THE LOOK OF A KILLER The Look of a Killer is a thriller by Lauri Nurkse, based on the crime novel Souvenir from Moscow, by Matti Rönkä.
Viktor Kärppä, former soldier of the Red Army troops, has settled down in Finland and would like to be a respectable family man. Trying to earn a living doing all kinds of jobs, not always completely legal. One day he realized that his marriage is in shambles. However, before Kärppä gets to sort things out with his wife Marja, he finds out that he has unwittingly become a part of the plan to assassinate the newly-elected president of Russia. Chased by contract killers and security service, Kärppä needs some help from his police officer friend Korhonen and his brother Aleksei. Will he manage to save his family and the president?
Sun 18/09 | 16:15 | Kinopalatsi 10 Original title: Tappajan näköinen mies Genre: Thriller Language: Finnish Director: Lauri Nurkse Production Company: Zodiak Finland Producers: Teea Hyytiä, Sari lempiäinen Contact: teea.hyytia@zodiakfinland.fi,
ABOUT TH E DIRECTOR
Lauri Nurkse (born 1978), is a Helsinki-born freelancer director and actor who is known for his versatile talent and wide experience. His filmography as director includes popular feature films, numerous beloved drama TV series, commercials, music videos and TV entertainment.
mobile. +359 40 831 2758 World sales: Eyewell Duration: 94 min
THE MI N E The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Young and ambitious civil servant Jussi finds himself in charge of the environmental permit of a huge nickel and uranium mine in Northern Finland. The Talvivaara mine, led by charismatic globetrotting visionary Pekka Perä, is introducing an entirely new method of collecting minerals whilst creating jobs in one of the poorest areas in Scandinavia. Jussi discovers he has been misled and the new method has serious downsides he didn’t foresee. The mine is causing environmental hazards that are kept hushed. A new application for another permit is brought to him, along with it an interesting job offer and chance for a new beginning. Jussi has to decide whether to play along and if so, with whom.
Thu 22/09 | 13:00 | Orion Original title: Jättiläinen Genre: Drama Language: Finnish Director: Aleksi Salmenperä Production Company: Helsinki-filmi Producer: Annika Sucksdorff, Aleksi Bardy Contact: annika.sucksdorff@helsinkifilmi.fi,
ABOUT TH E DIRECTOR
Aleksi Salmenperä, the director of The Mine, has been successful on the international festival markets with his previous films, especially A Man’s Job (2007) and Bad Family (2010).
mobile. +358 50 596 8089 World sales: The Yellow Affair Duration: 97 min
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O FF-KEY Off-Key is a dramatic comedy about having fun, throwing yourself into life without inhibition, overcoming the feeling of shame and accepting that few things in life go as planned.
Sun 18/09 | 13:45 | Kinopalatsi 10 Original title: Nuotin vierestä Genre: Comedy Language: Finnish Director: Lauri Nurkse Production Company: FremantleMedia Finland Producer: Ella Piesala Contact: ella.piesala@fremantlemedia.com, mobile. +358 50 414 3635 World sales: FremantleMedia Duration: 97 min
Arto learns to his horror that his mother Leena has signed up for a karaoke competition. Arto agrees to drive her to the competition with the agenda of talking or even conning her into changing her mind along the way. At the competition Arto realizes how important singing actually is to his mother. He also takes notice of Susanna, a very attractive karaoke judge. Now, instead of sabotaging her mother’s hopes for the competition, Arto devises a battle plan to keep his mother in the competition as long as possible. ABOUT TH E DIRECTOR
Lauri Nurkse was born in Helsinki in 1978. He graduated from the Helsinki University of Art and Design’s Film and Production Design Master’s Program in 2005. Lauri has directed numerous TV series and films, such as: Inget ljus i tunneln (FST/SVT, 2011), Putous (MTV3, 2014) and The Look of a Killer (2016).
O FF THE MAP An action-packed road movie that follows the journey of a single career woman and a neglected girl next door, who together find solutions to their problems in the Kainuu wilderness.
Thu 22/09 | 16:30 | Kinopalatsi 10 Original title: Äkkilähtö Genre: Comedy Language: Finnish Director: Tiina Lymi Production Company: Solar Films Producer: Nina Laurio Contact: nina.laurio@solarfilms.com, mobile. +358 50 336 6393 World sales: Available Duration: 99 min
Thirty-something Helsinki real estate agent Katri finds out her boyfriend has been leading a double life, she decides to seek revenge by stealing his hoard of cash, and makes a run for it. Unbeknownst to Katri, neglected eight-yearold girl next door Anna has snuck into her car. Anna has also acquired something which doesn’t belong to her, and makes sure Katri must reluctantly take Anna along for the ride. The trip takes a more complicated turn when Katri’s ex and Anna’s criminal stepfather start to tail them. But even though the trip doesn’t go as planned, Katri and Anna find something special on the way. Something neither of them knew they needed until they’re about to lose it: each other. ABOUT TH E DIRECTOR
Tiina Lymi (b. 1971) is a well-known Finnish actress, writer and director. After her breakthrough role in the 1993 feature Love in a Fish Bowl, she’s had starring roles in popular TV shows and films, and written and directed several stage plays. Off the Map is her first feature film direction.
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RICK Y R APPER AND THE NIG HTHAWK Ricky Rapper finds a valuable ring dating back to the Iron Age, and an archeological excavation ensues. But soon the ring disappears, and it seems a thieving nighthawk might be to blame
Tue 20/09 | 13:00 | Savoy Theatre
When out digging for angleworms one day, Ricky Rapper happens to find a treasure, and an archeological excavation is initiated at the scene. After a valuable ring dating back to the Iron Age disappears soon after it is found, it seems certain that a thieving nighthawk is in the neighborhood, scavenging around the excavation site. The case takes an astonishing twist when it turns out that Rose Rapper is involved in the matter, and Leonard Lindberg even ends up being arrested and put behind bars. Is Elvy hiding secrets about her past? And why on Earth has Nelly started acting so weird?
Original title: Risto Räppääjä ja Yöhaukka Genre: Family Language: Finnish Director: Timo Koivusalo Production Company: Artista Filmi Producer: Timo Koivusalo Contact: timo@artista.fi, mobile. +358 26 477 551 World sales: Available Duration: 72 min
ABOUT TH E DIRECTOR
Timo Koivusalo (b. 1963) is a Finnish producer, director, writer, television host, and owner of production company Artista Filmi. Since 1994 he has directed several features which have been commercial successes at the Finnish box office. Ricky Rapper and the Nighthawk is his fifteenth feature.
SAMURAI RAUN I Samurai Rauni is an absurd road movie in the fictional samurai reality of coastal Finland. As the first feature film from Moderni Kanuuna collective, it is a truly unique work of art and creativity.
Samurai Rauni is an absurd tragicomic road movie set in the fictional samurai reality of western Finland. The story tells of a struggle between light and dark in Samurai Rauni’s mind after surviving an assassination attempt. A true piece of art, the film is full of unique Finnish coastal nature blended with the absurd vision of the filmmakers. Most of the film’s props were made from junk and filming locations follow an ”as is” philosophy, Samurai Rauni is visually unique and it does not repeat the traditional imagery of either Japanese or Western samurai films.
Wed 21/09 | 21:00 | Savoy Theatre Original title: Samurai Rauni Reposaarelainen Genre: Tragicomedy Language: Finnish Director: Mika Rättö Production Company: Moderni Kanuuna Producer: Harri Sippola Contact: sippola.harri@gmail.com,
ABOUT TH E DIRECTOR
mobile. +358 40 57 58 123 World sales: Available Duration: 80 minutes
Moderni Kanuuna is a collective of freelance artists based in Pori, Finland. Moderni Kanuuna’s director Mika Rättö is an author, visual artist and musician best known for his work with the critically acclaimed band Circle.
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DOCUME NTARIES
CI RC L ES & STO NES Circles & Stones is a creative documentary by Rax Rinnekangas, depicting a magic journey to understand the basic question of humanity: How could we find ourselves?
After meeting at a film festival, a man and a woman – two total strangers to each other – decide to travel to the stones of the world to find out why they have always felt stones are much more close to themselves than other human beings. During their mystic journey to different countries across different continents, they will also understand more about the missing parts of their inner circles, and about the grief that unites them two and the destiny of Mankind on this stoned planet named Earth.
Thu 22/09 | 16:15 | Kinopalatsi 8 Original title: Ympyrät ja kivet Genre: Creative documentary Language: German, Finnish Director: Rax Rinnekangas Production Company: Oy Bad Taste Ltd Producer: Rax Rinnekangas Contact: btlimited@btlimited.fi,
ABOUT TH E DIRECTOR
Rax Rinnekangas is an oddity in Finnish cinema and literature because of the international nature of his career, his uncompromising artistic choices and ability to express himself through different art forms. He has directed five feature films and 20 documentaries on arts, modern music and architecture.
mobile. +358445454926 World sales: Oy Bad Taste Ltd Duration: 90 minutes
DIVING INTO THE UNKNOWN The story of a life-threatening mission and unconditional friendship where a group of Finnish cave divers try to bring their dead friends home.
Four Finnish cave divers face their worst nightmare when two of their friends drown deep inside an underwater cave in Norway. When the official recovery operation is called off by the authorities after being deemed too risky, the friends set out on a secret mission to retrieve the bodies themselves. Diving into the Unknown isn’t just the dramatic story of a life-threatening mission. It is also a story about unconditional friendship that runs deep. While each member of the team has years of experience exploring dangerous deep-sea caves, together they are about to face the biggest challenge of their lives. This film follows the breathtaking recovery mission from beginning to end.
Wed 21/09 | 18:15 | Kinopalatsi 9 Original title: Takaisin pintaan Genre: Documentary Language: Finnish, English, Swedish, Norwegian Director: Juan Reina Production Company: Monami Agency Producer: Juho Harjula Contact: juho.harjula@monamiagency.com, mobile. +358 500 190 421 World sales: Films Transit International Duration: 85 min
ABOUT TH E DIRECTOR
Juan Reina is a director/scriptwriter. Graduating from the University of Wales, Newport in 2005, his films have received awards and nominations at festivals around the world, including IDFA. Diving into the Unknown is his first featurelength documentary.
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F I L M L I N E UP
DOCUME NTARIES
M Y FATHER FROM SIRIUS When Einari was 12, his father was enlightened and started communicating with light beings from Outer Space. A wonderfully told father and son film about belief and disbelief in the spiritual world
Einari’s childhood could have been like that of any other Finnish boy. His father, Veikko, was an ordinary guy with a job at the local tax office and his mother worked as a radio journalist. Everything changed when Einari was 12 years old; Veikko experienced enlightenment and announced that he was a messenger between Earth and Outer Space. Henceforth, Veikko could see extraterrestrial beings, contact the afterlife and display supernatural healing abilities. Einari and Veikko became a team and the entire universe was open to them. Now, 25 years later, Einari confronts his father with his doubts.
Sun 18/09 at 18:30, Kinopalatsi 8 Original title: Isäni tähtien takaa Genre: Documentary Language: Finnish Director: Einari Paakkanen Production Company: Pohjola-filmi Producer: Elina Pohjola Contact: elina.pohjola@pohjolafilmi.fi,
mobile. +358 445031881 World sales: Rise and Shine World Sales Duration: 80 min
ABOUT TH E DIRECTOR
Einari Paakkanen graduated as a Bachelor of Arts from Turku Arts Academy, and completed his Master’s degree in Documentary Directing in Barcelona. Paakkanen has directed both fiction and documentary films. Besides being a film director, Einari is one of the best location managers in Finland and a great poet.
RETURN O F THE ATO M Return of the Atom portrays the strange and stressful life in the small Finnish “nuclear town” of Eurajoki during the construction of the new power plant Olkiluoto 3. *Nordic:Dox Award at CPH:DOX 2015.
The OL3 plant in Eurajoki was supposed to be ready in five years, being a calling card for nuclear industry’s second coming globally. However, the project has faced serious problems in planning, construction and safety automation. The Return of The Atom portrays the strange and stressful life in a small ‘nuclear town’ during an era of nuclear renaissance. There’s hardly any anti-nuclear resistance in Eurajoki, which creates a tense, unspoken consensus amongst local inhabitants and leaves room for paranoid scenarios
Mon 19/09 | 15:45 | Kinopalatsi 10 Original title: Atomin paluu Genre: Documentary Language: Finnish, English, French, German, Polish, Russian
Director: Mika Taanila, Jussi Eerola Production Company: Kinotar, Blinker
Filmproduktion Producer: Cilla Werning, Lasse Saarinen Contact: info@deckert-distribution.com World sales: Deckert Distribution GmbH Duration: 109 min
ABOUT TH E DIRECTOR
Mika Taanila (b. 1965) Is a filmmaker and visual artist, whose works assess technological evolution and the intersection of art and science. Jussi Eerola (b.1969) has worked as a cinematographer for more than 20 years. His directorial debut was a documentary on electrohypersensitive people (Refugees of Technocracy, 2009).
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F I L M L I N E UP
DOCUME NTARIES
SPAN D E X SAPI E N S Spandex Sapiens: a film about pro-wrestling, transexuality and the Pentecostal faith.
Tue 20/09 | 13:45 | Kinopalatsi 9 Original title: Spandex Sapiens Genre: Documentary Language: Finnish, English Director: Oskari Pastila Production Company: Emerald Gate Industries Producer: Oskari Pastila Contact: oskari.pastila@gmail.com,
mobile. +358 45 677 75 77 World sales: Syndicado / Aleksandar Govedarica Duration: 87 min
The son of a Pentecostal preacher, Michael is a bullied boy from Canada. He finds his own world in the spandex-clad heroes in comic books and professional wrestlers on TV. After building his body, Michael’s finally able to don the spandex tights himself and introduce pro-wrestling to faraway Finland. But at 40, injuries and age cast a shadow on his career, while the conservative and old-fashioned Michael still dreams of being the hero. Suddenly a young transgender wrestler, Jessica, infiltrates his wrestling company, contesting him both physically and ideologically. Angry, frustrated and uncompromising, Michael is still looking for love, but first he must learn not to hate. ABOUT TH E DIRECTOR
Oskari Pastila is Helsinki-based director and producer. His first feature-length documentary Basket Case (Täynnä Tarmoa) was released in 2009 and his second film Knucklebonehead in 2013. He received his BA from Goldsmiths University of London and MA from University of Art and Design, Helsinki.
S UMME R G UARD Summer Guard is a coming of age documentary with a humorous twist about 19-year old Mikko who finds a summer temp job in a remote Finnish prison.
Wed 21/09 at 16:15, Kinopalatsi 10 Original title: Kesävartija Genre: Documentary Language: Finnish Director: Panu Suuronen Production Company: Parad Media Producer: Anna-Karin Grönroos Contact: oskar.forsten@parad.fi, mobile. +358 40 7563208 World sales: Available Duration: 53 min
19-year old Mikko finds a summer job as a guard in a remote prison in Northern Finland. Bizarre situations make the style of this documentary. For Mikko this summer job is an exciting opportunity, opening a whole new page in his young life. Working as a prison guard amidst the power games of the closed facility challenges him to think about his own view of human dignity. ABOUT TH E DIRECTOR
Panu Suuronen (born 1979) initially studied Communication and Media Arts in Turku before graduating in 2008 with a MA in Visual Communication at the Edinburgh University. For the past few years he has been well established in directing and writing for primetime television in Finland.
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F I L M L I N E UP
DOCUME NTARIES
TALE O F A LAKE Tale of a Lake, directed by Marko Röhr and Kim Saarniluoto, made film history by becoming the biggest feature documentary of all time in Finland.
Tale of a Lake is a film about the thousands of lakes that Finland is known for. It takes the viewers on an unprecedented adventure, ranging from crystal clear springs all the way to the basins of the big lakes. It opens a whole new world of underwater nature for the viewers and tells many of the old tales and beliefs that abound in the land of thousands of lakes. The film is told through tales that are based on the myths, legends and old beliefs found in Finnish mythology.
Sun 18/09 | 11:45 | Kinopalatsi 10 Original title: Järven tarina Genre: Documentary Language: English Director: Marko Röhr, Kim Saarniluoto Production Company: MRP Matila Röhr Productions Producer: Marko Röhr Contact: marko.rohr@matilarohr.com,
ABOUT TH E DIRECTOR
mobile. +358 400 416 634 World sales: LevelK Duration: 80 min
Marko Röhr is a producer, director and writer of dozens of features, documentaries, underwater films and shorts. Kim Saarniluoto is a director and editor. His directorial debut was feature documentary was Tale of a Forest (2012), which he directed together with Röhr.
TH E WAG ES O F WA R The Wages of War is a creative documentary by Timo Korhonen about the young men who were sent to fight for Finland, but later, as fathers, brought the war back home. This is the story told by their children.
There were 191 highest medal of honor recipients in Finland during the 1941-1944 war against the Soviet Union. At the same time 15,700 men were taken to military psychiatric wards. After the war, hospitals were closed and the deeply traumatized men returned to their families. Thousands of children were forced to listen to their fathers’ shocking wartime experiences. Many men created an atmosphere of hatred around themselves at home. This documentary focuses on the experiences of ordinary soldiers and their children, who want to know the truth about the violence, shame and alcoholism of their fathers, in order not to be destroyed by it themselves. It is a journey of forgiveness and redemption.
Sun 18/09 | 16:15 | Kinopalatsi 9 Original title: Sodan murtamat Genre: Documentary Language: Finnish Production Company: Filmimaa Producer: Markku Tuurna Contact: markku.tuurna@filmimaa.fi,
ABOUT TH E DIRECTOR
mobile. +358 50 5666 596 World sales: Available Duration: 82 min
Timo Korhonen (b. 1954) has directed documentaries since 1990. His most important works are Client Number 2, Crucified Freedom and Home Sweet Home. Korhonen has also worked as a film commissioner at AVEK. His doctoral dissertation deals with the ethics practiced in Finnish documentary film. 21
F I L M L I N E UP A SELECTIO N OF SCAN D IN AVIAN , RUSSIAN AND ESTONIA N FILMS
A WAR
The Model
M oth e r
Denmark, Poland, France, Sweden 2016, Dir. Mads Matthiesen 90 min
Estonia 2016, Dir. Kadri Kõusaar 89 min
G IRLS LOST
KIKI
S ati sfacti o n 1720
Sweden, Finland 2015, Dir Alexandra-Therese Keining 106 min
Sweden, US 2016, Dir. Sara Jordenö 95 min
Denmark, Norway, The Czech Republic, Sweden 2016, Dir. Henrik Ruben Genz 98 min
S pa rrows
T h e H e re A f te r
T h e M agn itsk y A ct
19.9.2016 | 18:30 | Savoy Theatre Denmark 2015, Dir. Tobias Lindholm 115 min
19.9.2016 | 21:15 | Kinopalatsi 10 20.9.2016 | 18:45 | Kinopalatsi 9
19.9.2016 | 13:45 | Kinopalatsi 8 20.9.2016 | 21:15 | Kinopalatsi 9 21.9.2016 | 17:45 | Kino Tapiola
19.9.2016 | 18:45 | Korjaamo Kino 21.9.2016 | 11:45 | Kinopalatsi 1
21.9.2016 | 13:45 | Kinopalatsi 1 22.9.2016 | 16:00 | Korjaamo Kino
20.9.2016 | 20:00 | Kino Tapiola 21.9.2016 | 18:30 | Kinopalatsi 8 22.9.2016 | 16:15 | Kinopalatsi 9
Iceland, Denmark, Croatia 2015, Dir. Rúnar Rúnarsson 99 min
Poland, Sweden, France 2015, Dir. Magnus von Horn 101 min
DRIFTERS
T h e S h ow o f S h ows :
Sweden 2015, Dir.Peter Grönlund 92 min
18.9.2016 | 21:00 | WHS Teatteri Union 20.9.2016 | 21:00 | Kinopalatsi 8 21.9.2016 | 14:00 | Kinopalatsi 8
18.9.2016 | 16:00 | Kinopalatsi 6 21.9.2016 | 14:00 | Kinopalatsi 6
10 0 Y e a rs o f V au d evi l l e , C i rcuses a nd C a rn i va ls
Iceland, UK 2015, Dir. Benedikt Erlingsson 76 min
W e lc o m e to N o rway !
18.9.2016 | 18:30 | Korjaamo Kulmasali 22.9.2016 | 12:00 | Kinopalatsi 6 Norway 2016, Dir. Rune Denstad Langlo 90 min
22.9.2016 | 21:15 | Korjaamo Kino 23.9.2016 | 21:00 | Orion
18.9.2016 | 21:15 | Kinopalatsi 1 22.9.2016 | 18:15 | Kinopalatsi 2
– B e h i nd th e S c e n es
22.9.2016 | 18:30 | Kinopalatsi 9 Norway, Denmark, Finalnd, Germany 2016, Dir. Andrei Nekrasov 114 min
T h e Y a rd
18.9. 2016 | 14:00 | Korjaamo Kulmasali 20.9.2016 | 16:00 | WHS Teatteri Union 21.9.2016 | 12:00 | Kinopalatsi 8 Sweden, Germany 2016, Dir. Måns Månsson 80 min
W h ite P eo pl e
Z o o lo gy
Sweden, Denmark, Finalnd 2015, Dir. Lisa Aschan 82 min
Russia, France, Germany 2016, Dir. Ivan I. Tverdovski 87 min
19.9.2016 | 18:45 | Andorra 21.9.2016 | 14:15 | Kinopalatsi 10
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20.9.2016 | 18:30 | Korjaamo Kulmasali 21.9.2016 | 21:00 | Kinopalatsi 8
I N DUSTRY P rogramme TUESDAY 20TH
WE D NESDAY 21 ST
TH U RSDAY 22N D
W o rks i n P ro g ress a nd W o rks i n D eve lo pm e nt S h owcase
INDUSTRY PANEL 09.30 - 11.30 Kinopalatsi 2
9.30 - 15.15 Kinopalatsi 2 NETWORKING LUNCH 12:30-13:30 Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza
S h owcase c o nti n u es
HOW TO BUILD A SUCCESSFUL GOLDE N G LOBES AND ACADEMY AWARDS CAMPAI G N 15.00 - 17.00 Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza / Library Bar SPEAKERS Kirpi Uimonen / HFPA Tatiana Detlofson / PR agent More information at: finnishfilmaffair.fi/ffa/ffa2016
ONE-ON-O NE MEETI NGS
PROJECT CO NSULTING SESSIONS 13.00 - 15.00 Restaurant Radisson Blu Plaza, Business Lounge
15.30 - 17.50 Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza, Business Lounge
SAUN A TRIP TO LÖYLY 18:00 - 22.30 Löyly see page 27 By Invitation only
THE OPE NI NG PARTY OF THE FINNI SH FILM AFFAIR 20.00 - 23.00 Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza, Restaurant Pääkonttori
N ETWORKING LUNCH 11:45 -12:45 Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza
ESTON IA-C LUB
22:00 - 02.00 Dubrovnik bar see page 27
SERBE DZIJA LIBERATED 22.30 - 02.00 Dubrovnik Bar
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THE w RAP UP PARTY OF FINN ISH FILM WEEK 21.00 - 02.00 Astoria
IN DUSTRY PANEL INDUSTRY PA NEL Thu 22.9. 9:30 (doors) - 11:30 Kinopalatsi 2 Kaisaniemenkatu 2
F i nd i ng S to ri es a nd C o nc e p ts th at T r ave l A da m L e i pz i g (Moderator) C l au d i a L e w i s (former Fox Searchlight President of Production) M i ke R u n aga l l (Managing Director, Altitude Film Sales) M i ke G o o d ri dg e ( CEO, Protagonist Pictures) L au r a M u nste rhj e l m
(Talent Agent, Actors in Scandinavia)
How can your film go global? What does it take to appeal to international distributors and audiences? In this interactive, no-holds-barred panel, experts who have collectively made, sold, financed, and released hundreds of films will share their insider knowledge. You will learn how to pick concepts and stories originating in Finland that have the greatest opportunity to travel; how to package your projects successfully; how to take advantage of the changing digital distribution landscape; and how to express your creativity within the culture of global film. Be prepared with your questions, and be ready to talk (briefly! passionately!) about your current projects – this moderator is famous for getting everyone in the room involved in the conversation. Come early to make sure you get a seat!
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IN DUSTRY PANEL
A da m L e i pz i g
C l au d i a Lewis Claudia Lewis recently stepped down as President of Production for Fox Searchlight Pictures after serving in that role for over ten years. She has been a senior executive with the company since its inception in 1995 and has
Adam Leipzig has been a producer, distributor or supervising executive on more than 30 films that have disrupted expectations, including A Plastic Ocean (2016), March of the Penguins (2005), Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989), Dead Poets Society (1989) and Titus (1999). His movies have won or been nominated for 10 Academy Awards, 11 BAFTA Awards, 2 Golden Globes, 2 Emmys, 2 Directors Guild Awards, 4 Sundance Awards and 4 Independent Spirit Awards. Collectively, his projects have generated over $2 billion in revenue on $300 million production spending, and twice he has been responsible for the ‘most profitable picture of the year.’ Mr Leipzig is founder and CEO of Entertainment Media Partners; Senior Advisor to CreativeFuture, a nonprofit organization that advocates for
the rights of creative communities; Publisher and Managing Editor of Cultural Weekly; and a faculty member at the prestigious UC Berkeley Haas School of Business. He is also the former President of National Geographic Films, where he raised $125 million in production financing, and was a Senior VP at Walt Disney Studios. Mr. Leipzig is author of two books for emerging filmmakers published by Macmillan: Inside Track for Independent Filmmakers and Filmmaking in Action: Your Guide to the Skills and Craft, which has become the standard learning text at universities and colleges. Mr. Leipzig has written for the New York Times, CEO.com, Smart CEO Magazine, and many others.
overseen the production of more than 50 films, including the Academy Award Best Picture winner Birdman (2014) by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, The Descendants (2011) by Alexander Payne, Black Swan (2010) by Darren Aronofsky, 127 Hours (2010) by Danny Boyle and Juno (2007) by Jason Reitman. Ms. Lewis helped acquire for Fox Searchlight Pictures the Academy Award Best Picture winners Twelve Years a Slave (2013) by Steve McQueen and Slumdog Millionaire (2008) by Danny Boyle, as well as Best Picture nominees Brooklyn (2015) directed by John Crowley, The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) by Wes Anderson and Palme d’Or-winning The Tree of Life (2011) by Terrence Malick. Ms. Lewis’s most recent productions include Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris’s The Battle of the Sexes starring Steve Carell and Emma Stone, Marc Webb’s Gifted, starring Chris Evans, Jeffrey Blitz’s ensemble wedding comedy Table 19 and British hit comedy Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie.
Prior to joining Fox Searchlight, Ms. Lewis was a producer with AddisWechsler on James Gray’s Little Odessa (1994) and Michael Tolkien’s The Rapture (1991). She began her executive career at Avenue Pictures, an independent production and distribution company, where she oversaw production of the Oscar-nominated The Player (1992) directed by Robert Altman and Gus Van Sant’s Drugstore Cowboy (1989). Moreover, she was involved in the acquisition of Jane Campion’s Sweetie (1989) and Terence Davies’ Distant Voices, Still Lives (1988), amongst other titles. Ms. Lewis received her BA in Film from UC Berkeley and attended the MFA program at UCLA. She has travelled throughout the world extensively, speaks fluent Spanish, and has attended all of the major film festivals since the beginning of her career. Ms. Lewis resides in Los Angeles.
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IN DUSTRY PANEL
M i ke R u n aga l l
M i ke G o o d ri dg e
Mike Runagall is a Managing Director at Altitude Film Sales, an international sales arm of Altitude Film Entertainment. Founded in 2012 by Will Clarke, Andy Mayson and Mike Runagall, Altitude Film Entertainment is a vertically integrated film company comprising production, international sales and UK distribution. Altitude Film Sales handles international sales and distributon for all in-house productions, as well as third party films. Altitude productions include Owen Harris’ Kill Your Friends (2015), based on John Niven’s novel starring Nicholas Hoult, James Corden and Craig Roberts and Jalmari Helander’s Big Game (2015) starring Samuel L. Jackson, Ray Stevenson and Jim Broadbent. Third party titles include Julius Avery’s Son of a Gun (2014) starring Ewan McGregor, Alicia Vikander
and Brenton Thwaites, Colm McCarthy’s The Girl with All the Gifts (2016) starring Glenn Close, Gemma Arterton and Paddy Considine, Maradona - the new feature documentary from the Oscar– winning team behind Amy (2015) and Whitney, a revealing portrait of global superstar Whitney Houston, from Oscar-winning producer Simon Chinn and Academy-Award winning director, Kevin Macdonald. Prior to this, Runagall served as SVP international sales for Pathé International, where he oversaw international sales and distribution for both Pathé Productions and third party films including, The Queen (2006), The Iron Lady (2011), The Descent (2005), Gnomeo & Juliet (2011), Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark (2010) and Slumdog Millionaire (2008). He began his career at the BFI and Film4.
Mike Goodridge is chief executive officer of UK-based production, finance and sales company Protagonist Pictures, which has established itself as one of Europe’s leading independent film outfits since it was established in 2008. Mr. Goodridge took over the company in 2012, and he has been responsible for stepping up the scale and budget of films in which the company is involved. Under his aegis, Protagonist Pictures has doubled in size and delivered such hit films as Whit Stillman’s Love & Friendship (2016), Yorgos Lanthimos’ The Lobster (2015), Yann Demange’s ’71 (2014), John Michael McDonagh’s Calvary (2014) as well as Maggie’s Plan (2016), directed by Rebecca Miller, and Andrea Arnold’s American Honey (2016), which recently premiered at Cannes Film Festival.
Mr. Goodridge took the reins at Protagonist in 2012 after 22 years as a film business journalist and film critic. He worked in senior editorial positions at Screen International for 19 years, including 12 years as US editor in Los Angeles, and three years as an editor in London. He also works as a programmer for the international section of the Sarajevo Film Festival, which takes place in August. The section, named Kinoscope, showcases an eclectic mix of world cinema and has brought many renowned guests to the prestigious festival. He has written several books on cinema including Filmcraft: Directing and Filmcraft: Cinematography and is a member of BAFTA and the European Film Academy.
L au r a M u nste rhj e l m Laura Munsterhjelm is a talent agent and the founder of Actors in Scandinavia agency. Her client list includes the Academy Award winning, Alicia Vikander, Rebecca Ferguson Fares Fares, Alexander Karim, Malin Åkerman, Peter Franzén , Laura Birn and Lena Endre among others. 26
N et working E vents & C lu bs OPE NING PARTY OF THE FINN ISH FILM AFFAIR
ESTO N IA- CLUB
Tue 20.9. 20.00 – 23.00 Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza, Restaurant Pääkonttori Mikonkatu 23
Wed 21.9. 22.00 – 02.00 Dubrovnik Bar (Andorra) Eerikinkatu 11
The opening party kicks off the industry event and creates an opportunity for Finns and international guests to get to know each other in a casual atmosphere. The entry is open to everyone with a Finnish Film Affair accreditation.
The students of the Baltic Film and Media School will present their short films. Live Music: Frankie Animal (EE) 22.00 Free entry
Entry with a Finnish Film Affair Badge
SERBEDZ IJA LIBERATED
THE WRAP UP PARTY OF THE FI N NI SH FILM WEEK
Tue 20.9. 22.30 – 2.00 Dubrovnik Bar (Andorra) Eerikinkatu 11
Thu 22.9. 21.00 – 02.00 (Awards Ceremony 21.00) Astoria Iso Roobertinkatu 14
Croatian-born Rade Serbedzija and Danilo Serbedzija, the directors of Liberation of Skopje – an acclaimed adaptation of Dusan Jovanovic’s play presented at Love & Anarchy Film Festival – will play an unforgettable concert.
The Finnish Filmmakers’ Association celebrate the closure of the Finnish Film Week by awarding prizes to successful colleagues.
Free entry
NOTE: The language of the ceremony is Finnish Entry with a Finnish Film Affair Badge or with an invitation, rsvp required.
SAUN A TRIP TO LÖYLY Wed 21.9. 18.00 – 22.30 Löyly Hernesaarenranta 4 The Finnish Film Affair, The Hollywood Foreign Press Association and the Lapland, north, west, and southeast regional film commissions from Finland invite the international guests and Finnish filmmakers with a project in the line up to enjoy food, drinks and real Finnish sauna in a new Helsinki hotspot, Löyly. There will be transportation provided. NOTE: By invitation only
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SH OWCASE W o rks i n P ro g ress a nd W o rks i n D eve lo pm e nt S h owcase Wed 21.9. 09.30-15:15 Kinopalatsi 2 Kaisaniemenkatu 2
WORKS IN PRO G RESS A N D WORKS IN DEVELOPMENT SHOWCASE The day showcases a variety of Finnish fiction and documentary films and TV series. Eleven of the films are in production or post production (Works in Progress) and will be pitched by the filmmakers, presenting a mood reel, shot material or a trailer of the film. In addition, ten productions in different stages of development (Works in Development) will be presented briefly at the end of the pitching session. The day is moderated by Sweden-based film journalist of Finnish origin, Andrea Reuter. After the showcase, one-on-one meetings, 15-20 minutes each, will be organized between the pitched projects and international guests by Finnish Film Affair Matchmaker Marta Balaga. Finnish film professionals with a Finnish Film Affair accreditation can attend the pitching session as observers. T h e B est P itc h A wa rd
An award will be given for the Best Pitch in the Works in Progress -category. The winner will receive a 3 000 € package from the Finnish Film Foundation to be used in international marketing. The jury members: S c ot t F e i n b e rg (Awards Columnist, The Hollywood Reporter) M a ri e - P i e rre V a l l e (Head of Acquisitions, Wild Bunch) S erg ei R akhlin (Chair of the Foreign Films Committee, Hollywood Foreign Press Association) C i a E dströ m (Head of Industry, Göteborg Film Festival)
The winner of the Best Pitch award will be announced at Löyly around 19:00. See the presentations of the projects in this book (p. 30 -50) or at our website: www.finnishfilmaffair.fi. SC HEDULE
09.30 – 10.00
Registration (Finnish guests’ accreditation at Kinopalatsi, international delegates’ at the hotel)
10.00 – 10.15
Welcoming words by the Finnish Film Foundation
10.15 – 10.45
Who is who - presentation of participants of the day (international delegates and Finnish professionals)
11.00 – 12.30
First round of Works in Progress -projects (6 projects)
12.30 – 13.30
Networking lunch at Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza (Restaurant Pääkonttori)
13.30 – 14.45
Second round of Works in Progress -projects (5 projects)
14.45 – 15.15
Works in Development / Two-minute pitches (10 projects)
15.15 – 15.30
Moving to Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza and organizing meetings with the pitched projects
15.30 – 17.50
One-on-one meetings between pitched projects and international guests (20 min each) at Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza (Restaurant Pääkonttori)
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proj ect consulting P roj ect C o ns u lti ng S essi o ns Thu 22.9. (12:45) 13:00-15:00 Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza, Business Lounge Mikonkatu 23
PROJ ECT C O N SULTIN G SESSION S Note: Participation by invitation only! In this session Finnish filmmakers have the opportunity to meet and discuss their projects with industry experts from North America. The meeting times are scheduled beforehand based on the international experts’ interest and potential to contribute to the projects. The aim of these sessions is NOT to pitch the project but rather to seek guidance and advice on which directions to take with your project. The focus of the consulting sessions is the North American territory. The meetings are organized by invitation only and priority is given to the Finnish Film Affair Works in Progress and Works in Development projects and the projects that attended the Getting it Made for the US Market -project last year. The International Experts: M e h e r T atn a (Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Vice President) C l au d i a L e w i s (former Fox Searchlight, President of Production) A dam L eipzig (Entertainment Media Partners (CEO), Creative Future, Cultural Weekly) J e f f B a rry (ICM, Talent and Lit Agent) A r a m T e rtz a ki a n (XYZ Films, Partner) D a n B e rg e r (Oscilloscope, President) M i c h a e l D a S i lva (Annex Entertainment, Sales and Acquisitions) J a m es F l e r (Raven Banner/Northern Banner, Managing Partner)
SC HEDULE
12:45-13.00 13.00-13.20 13.20-13.40 13.40-14.00 14.00-14.20 14.20-14.40 14.40-15.00
Signing up (at Radisson Blu Plaza, Pääkonttori, balcony) Slot 1 Slot 2 Slot 3 Slot 4 Slot 5 Slot 6
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WO RK S I N PROG RESS
TH E ETERNAL ROAD Based on true events The Eternal Road is an epic story of one man’s struggle for survival. Jussi Ketola returns to Finland from the great depression that struck America only to face growing political unrest. One summer night of 1930’s, nationalist thugs violently abduct Ketola from his home. Beaten and forced to walk the Eternal Road to Soviet Union, where cruelty seems to know no end, his only dream is to return to his family at any cost. Hope dies last. Director’s Statement Once again the world is turning more black and white. Politics are becoming more radical. Common sense is fading away. That’s the reason I wanted to direct this. The black and white world of 1930’s seen through the eyes of a man who fights for himself and his family. For me The Eternal Road is a story of individuals and families, the only politics that I care for.
Antti-Jussi Annila was born on January 8, 1977 in Helsinki, Finland. He is a director and writer, known for Jadewarrior (2006), Sauna (2008) and Hard Student IV - The Ultimate Battle (1999). MRP Matila Röhr Productions is a company that produces feature films in Finland and abroad which two film industry professionals, Marko Röhr and Ilkka Matila, have been building since 1990. Over 40 award-winning films, international co-productions and numerous underwater documentaries and television series all represent the vision and professionalism of the company. Many MRP’s films are considered milestones in the history of the Finnish film industry and have been highly acclaimed by both the audiences and the critics alike. In Finland, films produced by MRP have sold over 3 million tickets in film theatres.
Original title: Ikitie Genre: drama, history Director: AJ Annila Producer: Ilkka Matila Production companies: MRP Matila Röhr Productions Oy, Taska Film & Anagram FIlm Language(s) of dialogue: English, Finnish, Russian Scheduled release: September 2017 Production budget: 2,9 MEUR Status of the production: in postproduction Looking for: sales contacts World sales: Trust Nordisk REPRESENTATIVES AT FFA
AJ Annila Director 30
Ilkka Matila Producer
WO RK S I N PROG RESS
EUTH AN IZ E R Euthanizer tells the story of Veijo Haukka: a man who is merciful to animals but ruthless to humans – including himself. He is a 50-year-old mechanic, whose second job is to put sick pets to sleep. Petri Kettu has a problem with his dog. He tries to kill it, but doesn’t have the stomach to do it. He pays Veijo to do the job. The only problem is that Veijo doesn’t kill healthy dogs. Later on, Petri sees Veijo with the dog. The dog is happy and very much alive. Petri gets furious. He has paid for the killing and he won’t be happy until the dog is dead. The conflict escalates and things get ugly. In the end, the only innocent is the dog. Director’s Statement Euthanizer started as an idea – I decided to shoot a fiction film as if it was a documentary. This experiment opened my eyes and the project started to grow in a completely new way. The themes of the film revolve around suffering and death, but this story is not about goodness or evil – deep down, it’s about the stupidity of men.
Teemu Nikki is a self-taught filmmaker and writer. Born in 1975, he has directed many commercials and music videos. His short films, such as Opportunist (2005) and Mother Doesn’t Bowl Anymore (2009), won several prizes at Tampere International Short Film Festival, while A Mate (2008) was selected to screen at Sundance Film Festival. His second feature, Lovemilla (2015), got three Jussi Award nominations. It’s Alive Films is a production company based in Helsinki founded by Teemu Nikki and Jani Pösö. In 2007, they wrote and produced their first short film A Mate (2008). Their best-known work is #lovemilla – an award-winning series first developed as a TV/Web format, which in 2015 was turned into a feature. It’s Alive Films is a melting pot into which we pour the things we share: crazy but feasible ideas, good visual concepts and our love for telling stories and finding new ways to deliver them. Summa summarum: We make films. We love it
Original title: Euthanizer Genre: crime drama Director: Teemu Nikki Producer: Teemu Nikki & Jani Pösö Production company: It’s Alive Films Language of dialogue: Finnish Scheduled release: still open Production budget: 350 000 EUR Status of the production: in production Looking for: financing, international distribution World sales: available
REPRESENTATIVES AT FFA
Teemu Nikki Director & writer 31
Jani Pösö Producer
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TH E GO O D P OSTM AN A small Bulgarian village by the Turkish border has been resisting foreign invaders since the times of the Ottoman Empire. Now its electorate of 38 elderly Bulgarians is facing a tough decision. To their surprise, the villagers have found themselves right in the middle of the European refugee crisis; at nights, asylum seekers sneak across the border. Somehow, their home has become the most important European loophole. Ivan, the local postman, has a vision. He decides to run for mayor and keep the slowly dying village alive by welcoming all the refugees. His opponents want the opposite: to close down the border and reintroduce communism. As the campaign goes on, Ivan soon learns that while good intentions are not enough, even the smallest deeds matter. Director’s Statement As an immigrant myself, this topic is close to my heart. Last year I was following closely what was happening in the East and the flow of refugees from Syria to the EU. With The Good Postman, I am trying to show the effect immigration has amongst local people; the way it divides us politically and morally, the way it emphasizes our selfishness and goodness. The way it exposes who we really are while also giving us hope.
Tonislav Hristov is a crazy Bulgarian guy who moved to Finland and started to make films. His works has been shown at Sarajevo Film Festival, Hot Docs, Visions du Réel Nyon, Busan Film Festival and many others. In Rules of Single Life (2011) he explored his divorce from his then-wife and that of his friends. Love & Engineering (2014), which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival, was a film about digital geeks looking for analogue love. Soul Food Stories (2013) premiered at IDFA and Once Upon a Dream (2015) at Karlovy Vary Film Festival. Making Movies is a production company based in Helsinki owned by Kai Nordberg and Kaarle Aho. Established in 1996, the company has produced fiction and documentary films which have been distributed in more than 40 countries and screened at prestigious festivals in Berlin, Sundance, Toronto, Venice and Tribeca as well as IDFA. Its recent releases include the Golden Globe nominated The Fencer (2015) by Klaus Härö and Tsamo (2015) by Markku Lehmuskallio and Anastasia Lapsui. The company has also coproduced documentaries by Joshua Oppenheimer, Thomas Balmés, Sergey Dvortsevoy and Phie Ambo.
Original title: The Good Postman Genre: documentary Director: Tonislav Hristov Producer: Kaarle Aho & Kai Nordberg Production companies: Making Movies & Soul Food Language of dialogue: Bulgarian Scheduled release: 11/2016 Production budget: 200 000 EUR Status of the production: in post production Looking for: festivals, distribution, buyers World sales: Cats & Docs
REPRESENTATIVES AT FFA
Tonislav Hristov Director 32
Kaarle Aho Prdoucer
WO RK S I N PROG RESS
LAW O F THE LAN D A remote Finnish village in Lapland, just across the Swedish border. A retiring police officer learns that his illegitimate son has been released from prison and is terrorizing the area. The young man has found out the big family secret and seeks for revenge by assaulting people close to the police officer – including his other, legitimate son. The hatred between the two brothers leaves the area in a state of vengeance and violence, forcing the villagers to take the law in their own hands. While trying to prevent the brothers from killing each other, the police officer is forced to face his past mistakes. The final showdown takes place in the arctic desert of the North. Director’s Statement My aim is to make this film work on two levels. I want it to be so credible and entertaining that the audience will be completely swept away by the story and I want the laconic acting to reflect the style of the film. Viewers should feel a certain melancholy after experiencing all the drama that permeates the film. Sometimes relationships between fathers and sons break in a way that makes it impossible to mend. I argue
that sons, however, always need their fathers. No matter how incompetent they are. Jussi Hiltunen is a Finnish director and writer. Born in 1984 in Rovaniemi, he graduated from Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences in 2011. His short film All Hallows’ Week (2011) was presented at Berlinale in the Generation 14plus competition and awarded at Tampere International Short Film Festival. He also directed short films Legacy (2014) and Winterheart (2015). Making Movies is a production company based in Helsinki owned by Kai Nordberg and Kaarle Aho. Established in 1996, the company has produced fiction and documentary films which have been distributed in more than 40 countries and screened at prestigious festivals in Berlin, Sundance, Toronto, Venice and Tribeca as well as IDFA. Its recent releases include the Golden Globe nominated The Fencer (2015) by Klaus Härö and Tsamo (2015) by Markku Lehmuskallio and Anastasia Lapsui. The company has also coproduced documentaries by Joshua Oppenheimer, Thomas Balmés, Sergey Dvortsevoy and Phie Ambo. 33
Original title: Armoton maa Genre: Nordic Western Director: Jussi Hiltunen Producer: Kai Nordberg & Kaarle Aho Production companyompanies: Making Movies Oy Languages of dialogue: Finnish, Swedish Scheduled release: 03/2017 Production budget: 2,4 MEUR Status of the production: in post production Looking for: sales agents, festivals, distribution, buyers World sales: available
REPRESENTATIVES AT FFA
Kai Nordberg Producer
Jussi Hiltunen Director
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LOVE AND F U RY Love and Fury tells the story of a wild, strong, life-altering love. In 1980s Helsinki, a city about to burst with young energy and rebellion, two young writers, determined to conquer the world, fall madly in love. For Inka, the love affair puts everything in motion: she finds her own voice, publishes her first novel and becomes an overnight sensation. The intensity of their relationship has a different affect on Juhana, who starts to lose his grip on writing and spins out of control. At the height of the love affair Inka starts to suspect that this mad love might actually be real madness. The script, written by director and screenwriter Alli Haapasalo, is adapted from Anja Kauranen-Snellman’s best-sellling book Syysprinssi (Autumn Prince). Director’s Statement If life is but a walking shadow, what is a short-lived love affair? Just a forgettable story of young egos horribly failing each other? Or a magical turning point that changes one’s life forever? For my main characters, it is both. Love and madness run hand in hand, as Inka and Juhana jump into what will become the most intense experience of their life.
My film is the tale of their love affair – full of sound and fury. Alli Haapasalo is a Finnish film director and screenwriter. She received acclaim for writing and directing On Thin Ice (2009), her thesis film for the New York University’s film school Tisch School of the Arts. It won several awards in the United States and was nominated for Prix Europa. Other selected filmography includes festival favorite comedy IlonaThe Girl Who Had No Problems (2003), The Appointment (2006), documentary short Dear Mom, Love James (2005) and drama Hurricane, Brooklyn (2015). Love and Fury is her feature debut. Solar Films is a Helsinki-based production company founded in 1995. It is the leading production company in Finland in the field of feature films. Solar Films concentrates primarily on films with strong commercial and international potential, but it also produces and co-produces art house films, films from upcoming talent and TV dramas. Solar Films has a long history in international co-productions and its films have been distributed in over 50 countries worldwide. 34
Original title: Syysprinssi Genre: Drama Director: Alli Haapasalo Producer: Rimbo Salomaa Production company: Solar Films Language of dialogue: Finnish Scheduled release: 14.10.2016 Production budget: 1,3 MEUR Status of the production: in postproduction / completed Looking for: International sales agent World sales: available
REPRESENTATIVES AT FFA
Alli Haapasalo Director/scirptwriter
Rimbo Salomaa, Producer
WO RK S I N PROG RESS
POST PUNK D ISORD E R PKN (aka Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät), a band of four mentally disabled men, is still Europe’s nr. 1 punk rock act. However, the band’s leader is soon going to retire and everyone is about to set out to explore new territories. Feature-length documentary film PostPunk Disorder depicts the last years of this historical band. Director’s Statement When we finished The Punk Syndrome, we decided not to make a sequel. At the time, the very idea just seemed cheap and unimaginative – but not anymore. We decided to keep working with the band members because we like their company and the feeling seems mutual. Of course, this in itself wouldn’t be a good enough reason to make a film. But we were there when the story began and we feel that we have to be there when it ends, too. J-P Passi (b. 1974) is a Finnish director, cinematographer and scriptwriter. He has been making films since 1995 – first as a student and for the last 15 years as a professional. He has worked in many areas of filmmaking, from scriptwriting to cinematography. His film The Punk
Syndrome (2012), co-directed with Jukka Kärkkäinen, got a Jussi Award for Best Documentary. Most recently, he shot the Un Certain Regard awarded The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki (2016) Jukka Kärkkäinen (b. 1972) is a Finnish director and scriptwriter. He has been making documentary films since 2003. Aside from filmmaking, Jukka has been also working as a warehouse worker. His films The Living Room of the Nation (2009) and The Punk Syndrome (2012) got Jussi Awards for Best Documentary, the latter also winning Prix Europa and Audience Award at SXSW Film Festival. He is the co-founder of Mouka Filmi production company. Mouka Filmi is an independent production company based in Helsinki. It was founded in 2006 by director Jukka Kärkkäinen and producer Sami Jahnukainen. Passionate about filmmaking, the company’s aim is to produce films that share a warm human touch, unique artistic vision and excellent quality. Since its creation, Mouka Filmi has produced award-winning documentary films for television and cinema audiences alike. 35
Original title: Tokasikajuttu Genre: Documentary Director: Jukka Kärkkäinen & J-P Passi Producer: Sami Jahnukainen Production companies: Mouka Filmi (FI), Magic Hour Films (DK), Indie Film (NO), Auto Images (SE), Film i Skåne (SE) Languages of dialogue: Finnish, English Scheduled release: September 2017 Production budget: 640 000 EUR Status of the production: in production Looking for: distributors, sales agents, festivals. World sales: available REPRESENTATIVES AT FFA
(from left) Jukka Kärkkäinen, Director J-P Passi, Director Sami Jahnukainen, Producer
WO RK S I N PROG RESS
STAR BOYS Star Boys is an uncon-ventional drama about the arrival of the sexual revolution in deeply religious Northern Finland – as seen by 13-year-old Christian Star Boy singers. It’s a story about two families which are torn apart by their hunger for love and freedom. Vesa and Kaarlo set up a group of Star Boys singers to earn some money before Christmas. During their gigs, the boys end up witnessing things children their age should not be exposed to. On Midsummer’s Eve, Vesa and Kaarlo take their harsh revenge on adults, which finally forces their parents to face their actions and their mistakes Director’s Statement Star Boys is based on my own experiences, although strongly dramatized and spiced up with peculiar details from the toga parties and bedroom antics of our parents. I was wondering what kind of spiritual legacy and what values were passed on to us who were born and raised in the 1970s. How has that era affected our conception of parenthood and marriage?
Visa Koiso-Kanttila is a director and cinematographer. Born in 1970, he graduated from the University of Art and Design in Helsinki and has studied filmmaking at the New School University in New York. His documentary films Lost And Found (2003) and Father to Son (2004) were lauded at Tampere International Short Film Festival. Comember of Elephant Films – the Finnish directors’ group. Star Boys is his feature debut. Silva Mysterium is a Finnish production company which was founded in 1994 by Mika Ritalahti and Niko Ritalahti. It has produced short and feature films for theatrical and TV release, as well as documentaries. The company also produces industrial films and radio plays. Among its recent titles are Who Cares? (2014), a documentary by Mikko Piela, The Legacy (2015) by Jussi Hiltunen and Only the Pussies Screw (2016) by Juha Lankinen.
Original title: Kielletyt leikit Genre: drama Director: Visa Koiso-Kanttila Producer: Mika Ritalahti and Niko Ritalahti Production company: Silva Mysterium Languages of dialogue: Finnish Scheduled release: September 2017 Production budget: 1,4 MEUR Status of the production: In post production Looking for: sales agent World sales: available
REPRESENTATIVES AT FFA
Mika Ritalahti Producer 36
Visa Koiso-Kanttila Director
WO RK S I N PROG RESS
TH E STO RY O F A MO B I LE PHO N E Once upon a time there was a large Finnish company called Nokia that manufactures the world’s best and most innovative mobile phones. Nokia’s annual budget was larger than that of the Government of Finland and their phones spread everywhere and changed the whole culture of communication. But then something changed. The Story of a Mobile phone portrays the rise and fall of Nokia and the Finnish mobile phone industry from grassroots, from the aspect of the basic engineers, experienced by those, who made the miracle and faced the destruction. Director’s Statement For me this is a real life ancient tragedy, a documentary film about creativity followed by euphoric success, hybris and a crashing fall. In the film we will hear the former employees of the mobile phone business including the managers from lower levels telling their illustrated stories how they saw the history. What happened? What went wrong? We will also ask if the concept of iPhone originally Steve Jobs idea – or was it also originally Finnish?
Arto Koskinen is a Finnish director and writer. Born in 1962, he graduated as Master of Arts from the University of Industrial Arts in Helsinki. Since 2003, he has been working as a Senior Lecturer for the Tampere Polytechnic University of Applied Sciences. Koskinen has completed 15 films, including The King Jari Litmanen (2012), which premiered at IDFA and The Handcuff King (2002), which won two Jussi Awards. Illume Ltd is a Finnish production company that specialices in creative documentary filmmaking. The company was established in 1987 by filmmakers Pertti Veijalainen, Jouko Aaltonen and Heimo Lappalainen. Since then more than 100 productions have been completed, including 12 international co-productions. The company invests in developing entertaining, emotionally engaging films that spark debate about the society and politics in the world today. Illume produces films for cinema and TV distribution and TVseries. Illume’s films feature regularly in domestic festivals and they have won a number of prestigious awards worldwide.
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Original title: Erään matkapuhelimen tarina Genre: Documentary Director: Arto Koskinen Producer: Marianne Mäkelä and Jouko Aaltonen Production companies: Illume Oy (FI), Piraya AS (NO), Lichtblick Media (GE) Language(s) of dialogue: finnish, english Scheduled release: 2018 Production budget: 478 360 EUR Status of the production: in production World sales: First Hand Films
REPRESENTATIVES AT FFA
Jouko Aaltonen Producer
Marianne Mäkelä Producer
WO RK S I N PROG RESS
TH I CK LASHES O F LAU RI M Ä NTYVAARA Thick Lashes of Lauri Mäntyvaara is a story of two teenage girls who are fed up with capitalism and want to sabotage posh summer weddings taking place in the Finnish archipelago. However, their plans change when one of them suddenly falls in love with a hockey player. It’s a poetic adventure film that takes you by surprise – just like a hormonal storm. Thick Lashes of Lauri Mäntyvaara is a debut feature written and directed by Hannaleena Hauru, whose short films have premiered in Berlinale Generation and Cannes Critics’ Week. The film was developed in Torino Film Lab and at the Cinefondation Residence.
me move through puberty and into some kind of adulthood.
Director’s Statement
Aamu Film Company was founded in 2001 and has produced The Painting Sellers (2009) by Juho Kuosmanen, which was awarded the Cinefondation Award at Cannes Film Festival, and a Jussi-nominated Things We Do For Love (2013) by Matti Ijäs. Kuosmanen’s feature debut, The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Maki (2016) won Un Certain Regard Prize at Cannes Film Festival. Over the years, we have noticed that the art of cinema is serious fun. We aim to build long relationships with directors and screenwriters who have a unique approach to filmmaking.
Satu and Heidi are passionate, smart, horny and childish. Their world is adventurous and the quest for true love is their driving force. But this film is mostly about friendship and the need to find your own place in a community. I want to show the pains of growing up while keeping an upbeat tone; I want to make viewers laugh rather than cry. They are allowed to have tears in their eyes as long as they come both from laughter and sorrow. Because humour is what always kept me going: it helped
Hannaleena Hauru (b.1983) is a Finnish director and writer. Her short film If I Fall (2007) was awarded at Oberhausen, Tampere and Uppsala Film Festivals, Whispering in a Friend’s Mouth (2010) premiered at Berlinale Generations and Mercy All the Way (2015) got theatrical distribution in Finland. She has been also working as a producer for theatre and films and tutoring international film workshops and trainings as the Head of Film Lab of NISI MASA European Network of Young Cinema. Thick Lashes of Lauri Mäntyvaara is her feature debut.
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Original title: Lauri Mäntyvaaran tuuheet ripset Genre: Coming of age Director: Hannaleena Hauru Producer: Jussi Rantamäki Production companies: Aamu Film Company, 10:15 Productions (FR) Languages of dialogue: Finnish Scheduled release: August 2017 Production budget: 1 ,1 MEUR Status of the production: in post production Looking for: festivals, distribution World sales : Premium Films (FR)
REPRESENTATIVES AT FFA
Hannaleena Hauru Jussi Rantamäki Director/screenwriter Producer
WO RK S I N PROG RESS
TO M O F FI N LAN D Touko Laaksonen, a decorated officer, returns home after serving his country in World War II, but life in Finland during peacetime proves equally distressing. Pressured to date a woman, Touko finds refuge in erotic drawings of muscular men, free of inhibitions. In collaboration with an awardwinning director Dome Karukoski, the man behind box office hits Lapland Odyssey and The Grump, Helsinkifilmi finally brings the incredible story of Touko Laaksonen, better known as iconic gay artist Tom of Finland, to the big screen. The film, which will be released worldwide, aims to become an important artistic hallmark in the ongoing movement to celebrate and support homosexual communities and LGBTQ heroes. Director’s Statement Touko Laaksonen had the strength to stand up against the world and fight for the right to be who he really was: a homosexual man with homosexual fantasies. This story shows how sometimes it only takes one person to change the world, even with something as deceivingly simple as a set of drawing tools. Tom of Finland is a portrait of a renowned artist, but also
a touching love story. Touko Laaksonen lived an incredible life and his story is worth sharing with the world. Dome Karukoski is considered to be one of the most successful Finnish film directors. Born in 1976, he has directed six features, including Lapland Odyssey (2010), which became the number one box-office film of the year in Finland and Heart of the Lion (2013), which premiered at Toronto Film Festival. His films have received 33 nominations at the Finnish National Film Awards. In 2013, he landed on Variety’s 10 Directors to Watch list. Helsinki-filmi is a production company based in Helsinki. It was founded in 2002 and is owned by producers Aleksi Bardy, Annika Sucksdorff, Miia Haavisto and director Dome Karukoski. One of the leading production companies in the Nordic region, Helsinki-filmi is dedicated to the development and constant search of extraordinary stories. The company has participated in several co-productions with Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, Germany, France and UK. Its films have premiered at such festivals as Berlinale, Toronto, Venice and Karlovy Vary. 39
Original title: Tom of Finland Genre: Drama Director: Dome Karukoski Producers: Aleksi Bardy (FI), Miia Haavisto (FI), Annika Sucksdorff (FI). Coproducers: Gunnar Carlsson (SE), Miriam Norgaard (DE), Ingvar Thorardson (GE), Sophie Mahlo (GE) Production companies: Helsinki Filmi, Anagram Väst (SE), Fridthjof Film (DE), Neutrinos Productions (GE) Languages of dialogue: Finnish, English, German Scheduled release: February 2017 Production budget: 4 MEUR Status of the production: In post production Looking for: festivals, distribution World sales: Protagonist Pictures
REPRESENTATIVES AT FFA
Annika Sucksdorff Producer
Dome Karukoski Director
WO RK S I N PROG RESS
THE UNKNOW N SOLD IE R Aku Louhimies’ the Unknown Soldier, based on Väinö Linna’s best selling novel, is an explosive World War II drama. Set in the midst of the last stretches of the Second World War, the Unknown Soldier is a story of a regiment of ordinary Finnish soldiers in the battlefield between Finland and the Soviet Union. Gritty and realistic, yet unpolitical and humane, the film shatters the myth of the noble, obedient soldier. The harsh conditions of winter time war are dealt with by cunning survival games and witty, warm humor. In addition to the feature film, a 4 x 50 minutes drama series will be produced, also directed by Louhimies. Both are starred by a cast of top Finnish actors, including Eero Aho and Samuli Vauramo. Director’s Statement There are stories that every generation should tell themselves. Väinö Linna’s The Unknown Soldier is one of those stories. The author’s original idea was to present the events of the war so that they also act as warning. To be true to that idea I’m not keen on presenting heroes but illustrating the experience
of war as realistically and as humanely as possible. Aku Louhimies is an award-winning director and screenwriter. Over the last decade his highly acclaimed, commercially successful films have established him as one of the most preeminent directors of Scandinavian cinema today. His latest works include European Film Award nominees 8-Ball (2013), Naked Harbour (2012) and a serial drama Rebellion (2016). Elokuvaosakeyhtiö Suomi 2017 is a production company founded by director and producer Aku Louhimies for his upcoming feature film and TVseries The Unknown Soldier (2017). Chairman of the Board is media industry influencer Heikki Rotko, and other members are Kaiho Republic’s CEO and Liisa Penttilä-Asikainen, Film Producer and Kaarina Gould, Executive Director of the Finnish Cultural Institute in New York.
Original title: Tuntematon sotilas Genre: War Drama Director: Aku Louhimies Producer: Aku Louhimies, Mikko Tenhunen Production company: Elokuvaosakeyhtiö Suomi 2017 Language of dialogue: Finnish Scheduled release: October 2017 Production budget: 7 MEUR Status of the production: In production Looking for: festivals, sales agent, distribution World sales: available
REPRESENTATIVES AT FFA
Aku Louhimies Director 40
WO RK S I N development
BRI DES O F N E PAL The film takes place in a remote village in Nepal where child marriages are still common. They are illegal, but the tradition lives on. In the beginning of the film we witness the wedding celebration of Amrita, 13. Excitement quickly turns into horror when she realises what is awaiting her. Rekha, 14, follows the celebrations with awe. For a long time her grandfather has been trying to persuade her to get married, but Rekha resists his efforts – she wants to be an English teacher. To marry off a daughter is expensive and Rekha’s father has to work hard to build a dowry. Rekha doesn’t know it yet, but her fate has already been decided – by her father and grandfather, over beers. Soon, her wedding will be celebrated. Director’s Statement On my journeys I have learned to love the colourful culture of Nepal. However, my friend Surendra also introduced me to the dark side of her country and through him I got to film child brides in Nepal. This film is about girls who, in their lives, are not given the freedom of choice. It is my hope that it can contribute to enabling young women to decide for themselves in the future.
Tiina Madisson is a filmmaker, graphic designer and animator. She was born in Estonia in 1965. She has a vocational qualification in Business Information Technology and a BA in Culture and Arts, both from Finland. From 2008 to 2012 she worked as writer and director for the Bazaar series at YLE TV1. She has subsequently worked as a freelance writer, director and journalist, as well as a graphic designer. In 2010, she cofounded the multicultural Icebreaker Productions Cooperative. In 2015, she wrote and directed a documentary for the Eye Witness series of YLE TV2 entitled Blood for the Goddess (2015). Icebreaker Productions is a cooperative company founded in 2010. Its documentaries include Mohamed El Aboudi’s Bus Driver (2011) for YLE TV1, Tiina Madisson’s Blood for the Goddess (2015) for YLE TV2. In 2010-2012 Icebreaker was involved in the development of Jaana Semeri’s feature Independence Day (2012) and in 2011–2013, in the development of Marzia, My Friend (2015). Icebreaker is also producing the international Kid2Kid DigiTales project together with Roma children. The Icebreaker project Rainbird Tales Kenya – Environment through the Eyes of Slum Children was conducted in 2014. 41
Original title: Nepalin morsiamet Genre: Documentary Director: Tiina Madisson Producer: Kirsi Mattila, Joonas Kauppinen Production company: Icebreaker Productions Language of dialogue: Nepali Scheduled release: Spring 2018 Production budget: 320 000 EUR Status of the production: in development Looking for: sales agent, distribution, co-producers, financing World sales: available
REPRESENTATIVES AT FFA
Tiina Madisson Director
Kirsi Mattila Producer
WO RK S I N DEVELOPMENT
Photograph by Anders Petersen
CAFE LEHM ITZ Café Lehmitz tells the story of a young photographer who encounters the patrons, prostitutes and thieves in an underworld joint in Reeperbahn, Hamburg in 1967. In a milieu where taking photos is strictly forbidden, he manages to document the joys and sorrows of people frequenting the cafe. This experience makes him redefine his own views on love, freedom, friendship and family. The film, which is a Finnish-GermanSwedish co-production, is based on the real-life experiences of a Swedish photographer Anders Petersen, who achieved fame thanks to his Café Lehmitz photographs. Said photobook (published in 1978 by Schirmer/Mosel) is regarded as a cornerstone in the history of European photography. The script, full of amazing stories behind these unique photographs, has been developed in cooperation with Mr. Petersen himself. Director’s Statement I want to make a harsh film about a special place and special people. People you would not dare to meet in real life. I want it to have a feel of a Tom Waits song or a Charles Bukowski novel. A cinematic version of Anders Petersen’s Café Lehmitz photographs: beautiful
in spite of all the melancholy, alcoholinduced euphoria and desperation. It’s a simple story of a young man trying to capture freedom in his photographs and finding something even more valuable: a home. Kari Paljakka is a Finnish director, writer and producer. Born in 1958, he has directed films for television and theatrical release. His short film Nonstop (1987) was lauded at Tampere International Short Film festival, while Dildo (1989) was awarded at ClermontFerrand International Short Film Festival. His third feature For the Living and the Dead (2005) was awarded the BFI Sutherland Trophy at London International Film Festival. Member of the Board of Finnish Directors Guild. Inland Film Company is an independent production company based in Helsinki. It has produced documentaries, television series as well as short and feature films such as Changes (2014). Currently co-producing the film Chronicles of Melanie (2015) with Latvian company Mistrus Media, Inland Film Company has three features in development and its production plan extends until 2019. The company’s philosophy is simple: Script rules. 42
Original title: Cafe Lehmitz Genre: Drama Director: Kari Paljakka Producer: Klaus Heydemann Production company: Inland Film Company Languages of dialogue: German, Swedish Scheduled release: 2018 Production budget: 1 800 000 EUR Status of the production: in development Looking for: sales agent, coproducers World sales: available
REPRESENTATIVES AT FFA
Klaus Heydemann Producer
Kari Paljakka Director
WO RK S I N development
CARE Care tells a story from three different points of view. Having survived a family tragedy, nurse Anni treats her patient Hanna, who has suffered injuries most obviously resulting from domestic violence. Anni supports Hanna in her attempt to divorce her jealous and explosive husband Erik. Their friendship deepens, but things are different from what they may seem. The final point of view is that of a genuine psychopath. This film is about the impossibility to really get to know another person. Director’s Statement Care is a character-driven suspense drama with a compelling and fresh dramaturgy as well as a very interesting way to depict the central characters. My goal is to make a movie that urges us to open our eyes and finally notice the conflicts, which are silently smoldering all around us and at worst, can lead to emotional explosions. Or something even more severe. Despite its challenging subject I feel that the film has a possibility to attract a large audience.
Petri Kotwica is an acclaimed Finnish director and screenwriter. Born in 1964, he got his Master’s degree in Film Directing at the University of Art and Design. His first feature Homesick (2005) was lauded at Lübeck Nordic Film Days while his second, Black Ice (2008), was screened in Berlinale competition. Rat King (2012) premiered at Tribeca Film Festival. His fourth feature, Absolution (2015), won a Jussi Award for Best Supporting Actress. Åke Lindman Film-Production was founded in 1978 by the famous film director and actor Åke Lindman (19282009). Since then, the company has been focusing on developing feature films of high artistic quality.
Original title: Hoitaja Genre: Drama Director: Petri Kotwica Producer: Alf Hemming Production company: Åke Lindman Film-Production Languages of dialogue: Finnish Scheduled release: Production budget: Status of the production: In development Looking for: co-producer, distribution World sales: available
REPRESENTATIVES AT FFA
Petri Kotwica Director 43
Eeva Putro Screenwriter
WO RK S I N development
TH E FO REST G IANT Pasi, a middle management boss in a forest company, receives a task to return to his childhood town to make the plywood factory run more efficiently. Upon arrival, he bumps into his childhood friend Janne. Coincidentally, he works in the factory Pasi is about to downsize. The encounter brings up memories from the past and Pasi begins to struggle with the inevitable layoffs. Pasi comes up with a plan how to save the factory, but in the end it’s not enough; it is shut down, marking the end for the small town. Pasi returns home and gets promoted. However, he can no longer convince himself that this is the only way the world works. The Forest Giant is a comedy-drama taking place in a small factory town in the mid 1980s and in the present. It’s based on Miika Nousiainen’s bestselling novel of the same name. Director’s Statement The Forest Giant tells the story of a son of a factory worker who ends up closing down that very same factory. It shows how such decisions affect little towns and their communities. It’s a gripping character-driven drama which addresses the absurdity of the
situation when the future of hundreds of people is decided by somebody from the outside. Ville Jankeri (b. 1976) graduated from the National Film and Television School with an MA in Directing Fiction. In 2007, Ville was chosen to make a short film for the Berlin Today Award competition – The Last Wash premiered at the Berlinale Film Festival in 2008. Sixpack-Movie (2011), his first feature film based on an acclaimed novel by Mikko Rimminen, was both a critical and commercial success. Gold Digger (2016), his second feature film, had a successful run in theatres. He is a captain of Association of Finnish Film Directors football team. Solar Films is a Helsinki-based production company founded in 1995. It is the leading production company in Finland in the field of feature films. Solar Films concentrates primarily on films with strong commercial and international potential, but it also produces and co-produces art house films, films from upcoming talent and TV dramas. Solar Films has a long history in international co-productions and its films have been distributed in over 50 countries worldwide. 44
Original title: Metsäjätti Genre: Comedy-drama Director: Ville Jankeri Producer: Rimbo Salomaa, Jukka Helle, Markus Selin Production company/companies: SolarFilms Inc. Oy Languages of dialogue: Finnish / English Scheduled release: spring 2018 Production budget: 1,3MEUR Status of the production: in deveploment Looking for: sales agent World sales: available
REPRESENTATIVES AT FFA
Ville Jankeri Director
RImbo Salomaa Producer
WO RK S I N development
TH E G REAT BE AR
A Russian shaman tells the repressed small-town beautician Annika that she has hidden gifts buried inside her. The shaman is manipulative and dangerous, but the newfound powers and confidence make Annika much more than just a victim. The Great Bear is an intense and suspenseful psychodrama by the writer-director Jan Forsström. It is starring an established Finnish actress Laura Birn and set in the forests of Northern Finland. Director’s Statement My aim with The Great Bear is to make a film which is mysterious, seductive and shocking. But most of all, mature and real – especially in the way it gives insight into the inner world of a troubled and lonely, but also in some ways very familiar character. There are elements of suspense and even horror, but for me, first and foremost, it’s a sad and touching psychological portrait of a lonely woman. A woman who has a lot of rage but also a need for beauty, love and intimacy hidden deep inside of her.
Jan Forsström is a Finnish writer, director, editor and script editor. He graduated with a Master’s degree from the University of Art and Design in Helsinki in 2006. Forsström has written several award-winning short films and critically acclaimed feature films including The Visitor (2008) by J-P Valkeapää, which premiered at Venice Film Festival, Last Cowboy Standing (2009) by Zaida Bergroth and The Good Son (2011), also by Bergroth, which premiered at Toronto Film Festival. The Princess of Egypt (2013), starring Berlinale Shooting Star Emmi Parviainen and produced by Making Movies, was Forsström’s debut feature as a director. Tast Films is an independent production company based in Helsinki. Founded in 2014 by producer Maria Forsström and writer/director Jan Forsström, the company is currently developing Jan Forsström’s next feature film The Great Bear, starring Laura Birn and scheduled to shoot at the end of summer 2017. The Great Bear is a co-production with the Finnish production company Making Movies. 45
Original title: Suuri karhu Genre: Drama Director: Jan Forsström Producer: Maria Forsström Production companies: Tast Films, Making Movies Languages of dialogue: Finnish, English, Russian Scheduled release: 2018 Production budget: est. 930 000 EUR Status of the production: in development Looking for: festivals, sales agent, distribution World sales: available REPRESENTATIVES AT FFA
Maria Forsström Producer
Jan Forsström Writer / director
WO RK S I N development
ME AND M AX Tommi is a writer and a shy man afraid of people. He often looks at a photo of Liselotte – a girl he met in Copenhagen during his student exchange. It was a passionate springtime of youth for Tommi. But when Liselotte got pregnant, she said she didn’t want to have a baby and she didn’t love Tommi. Heartbroken, he left Copenhagen. One year later he received a letter with a picture of Liselotte and a baby. ”Me and Max” was written on the back of the picture. When Tommi is invited to a Nordic conference in Copenhagen, he realizes that this could be his opportunity. Me and Max is a story about a timid man who, after decades of exhausting silence, finally decides to join other people. Director’s Statement Me and Max is a comedy about a writer constantly plagued by his shyness. Unlike many other men, Tommi does not possess this ability to simply be a man and not make a fuss about it. It is my intention to make an uncompromisingly minimalistic and at the same time a very profound film. The approach is humane and the humour – quiet and intelligent. Much like the main character himself.
Matti Kinnunen is a Finnish director and writer. He holds a MA in Screenwriting and Film Directing at the University of Art and Design in Helsinki. He also studied filmmaking in Berlin, at the German Film and Television Academy and Berlin University of Arts. Matti has written and directed successful drama series for various Finnish TV channels, while his debut feature Miss Blue Jeans (2012) was nominated for a Jussi Award and won a Silver Castle Award at FEST New Directors New Films Festival. Me and Max will be his second feature. Luminoir is a Helsinki based production company founded in 2015 by two seasoned producers, Pauli Pentti and Markku Flink. We are developing and producing TV series and feature films for international market. We see the future of storytelling not only on the silver screen but also in longer stories written for television and other digital platforms. Our way to select projects is clear and simple: We pick up projects that we like and that we believe the audience will like. Luminoir also provides production services, not only in Finland but all around Europe.
Original title: Minä ja Max Genre: comedy-drama Director: Matti Kinnunen Producer: Markku Flink, Kaisu Isto Production company: Luminoir Languages of dialogue: Finnish, Danish, Swedish, English Scheduled release: 2018 Production budget: 1,4 MEUR Status of the production: in development Looking for: co-producer, sales agent World sales: available
REPRESENTATIVES AT FFA
Matti Kinnunen Director 46
WO RK S I N development
NEVER AGAIN Linda is a Finnish-Romani 23-yearold drug-abuse survivor. After she got brutally assaulted by her boyfriend, she decided to leave the drug scene and started to pursue her dream of becoming a professional rap artist. But in her heart she still longs for a murderer. She has turned her firsthand experiences of junkies, smalltime criminals and disturbing love affairs into rap music and seems to be at peace with her past. But after years of being sober, she still struggles for acceptance by the so-called “normal society.” Recently, she has been getting closer to the underworld – the only place which doesn’t expect her to apologize for her previous life. In the film, we follow Linda’s relationship with a convicted hitman Janne. The couple can only meet once a month, but plan their future together. Will they be able to leave the past behind and finally move on? Director’s Statement How does society treat people who come from the margins and want to become a part of the community? Do we reject them just because their way of thinking is foreign to us or they make us feel uncomfortable? It is my view that we tend to accept only a
certain narrative about redemption and healing, and find it hard to acknowledge that even the worst experiences become an inseparable part of you. The Cinderella story is just a fairy tale. Aino Suni is a Finnish director and screenwriter. Born in 1985, she studied at the Tampere University of Applied Sciences and at the University of Salford. Her short film Wolf Carver (2011) was presented at Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, while Turnaround (2015) had its international premiere at Sarajevo Film Festival. Endlessly fascinated with the world around her, she never stops asking questions. Tuffi Films is an award-winning production company based in Helsinki, Finland. Founded in 2010, the company is formed by three producers and three writer/directors. Our films have enjoyed international success at the Academy Awards and at festivals such as Sundance, Berlinale, Locarno, Visions du Réel and Clermont-Ferrand. Tuffi Films develops feature films within a wide range of genres – from contemporary drama to comedy, as well as versatile creative documentaries and cross-media series for television. 47
Original title: Ei koskaan enää Genre: Documentary Director: Aino Suni Producer: Elli Toivoniemi Production company: Tuffi Films Language(s) of dialogue: Finnish Scheduled release: Autumn 2017 Production budget: 205 000 EUR Status of the production: in development Looking for: co-producers, distribution, sales agent World sales: available
REPRESENTATIVES AT FFA
Aino Suni Director
Elli Toivoniemi Producer
WO RK S I N development
SH ERLO C K N ORTH Based on the unforgettable characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock North is a contemporary crime fiction television series, which will consist of 10 one-hour episodes. Consulting detective Mr Sherlock Holmes from London ends up in a freezingly cold northern Scandinavia facing the coldest Moriarty you have ever seen. Thankfully, he is aided by Dr Johanna Watson from Finland. The series, produced by Helsinki and Los Angeles-based Snapper Films, is being developed in collaboration with the Conan Doyle Estate Limited. Director’s Statement Sherlock North is a fish-out-of-water story. British, upper-class Sherlock Holmes could not be further from his comfort zone than in dark and cold Lapland. Even worse, in order to resolve a series of murders he has to deal with a Finnish small-town doctor, Johanna Watson. Nordic noir is a constantly evolving genre and the idea of making a TV series combining the Sherlock Holmes story and comedy felt so insane that I got exited right away. I am looking forward to working in subzero temperature again.
Juha Wuolijoki is an award-winning Scandinavian director and producer. He has directed such globally known actors such as John Turturro, Burt Young, Tony Sirico, Noah Emmerich and Michael Badalucco. His latest productions include Hella W (2011) and Zarra’s Law (2014), a crime drama set in New York. His family feature Christmas Story (2007) was a top-grossing Finnish film of the year and has sold to 120 countries including Spain, China and Canada. It also won two Jussi Awards. He develops and produces projects through his company Snapper Films, which he founded in 1998. Snapper Films is a Helsinki and Los Angeles-based production, financing and distribution company. Snapper Films specializes in feature-length films and TV series and is currently developing several English-language projects as well as a slate of European and Finnish-language films. In 1999, Snapper Films formed a partnership with Open City Films, a New Yorkbased production company whose credits include Three Seasons (1999) and Down to You (2000). Snapper Films is represented by Richard Genow from Stone, Meyer, Genow, Smelkinson & Binder, LLP. 48
Original title: Sherlock North Genre: Nordic crime noir & comedy / Television series Director: Juha Wuolijoki Producer: Juha Wuolijoki Production company: Snapper Films TV Broadcaster: YLE Languages of dialogue: English, Finnish, Swedish, Russian Scheduled release: 2018-2019 Production budget: 5 MEUR Status of the production: In Development Looking for: financing, co-producers, TV broadcasters, sales agent World sales: available
REPRESENTATIVES AT FFA
Juha Wuolijoki Director-Producer
WO RK S I N development
WH ITE H U N G E R Finland, 1867. It’s a deadly cold winter and food is in short supply. In the countryside, Marja and her two children set out to trudge through snowbound forests to beg for food, leaving their father behind – while still alive, he is too ill to walk. Meanwhile in Helsinki, Swedish doctor Teo is secretly smitten with prostitute Celia, about to flee the city with a rich businessman. Teo decides to do everything in his power to get Celia for himself and that decision may cost him his life. Marja and Teo, while different, both try to fulfil basic human needs in extreme conditions. Eventually, they stories come together, in a way nobody could have seen coming. White Hunger is based on an award-winning and best-seller by Man Booker Prize nominee Aki Ollikainen. Director’s Statement Even though the Finnish famine of 18661868, also known as “the great hunger years”, happened almost 150 years ago, the same things take place today – different circumstances force people to go on the move in order to survive and to surrender themselves to the mercy of strangers. I want to turn White Hunger into an intimate, naturalistic and raw movie with a cinéma-vérité approach.
Mikko Kuparinen (b.1979) has a Major of Arts degree from the University of Art and Design Helsinki. He is a director and writer, known for 2 nights til Morning (2015), Sirocco (2012) and Kotivideo (2005). 2 Nights till Morning had it’s world premier in main competition of Montreal World Film Festival 2015, where it won the award of Best Director. The film had it’s European premier in Valladolid Film Festival, where it won the prize of Best Film in the competition of 1st or 2nd feature films. Lucy Loves Drama is a production company with a passion for stories, people and the art of cinema. We want to tell stories about important issues, stories that are universal and in any genre. We create our film making processes with the individuals creating the stories. We aim for the highest quality content. We want to tell stories that make us laugh, cry and above all, bring comfort to the audience and help us get through everyday life. We want to make cinema that makes the world a better place to live. We want to entertain, bring joy and warmth, make an impact on people both emotionally and intellectually.
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Original Title: Nälkävuosi Genre: Drama Director: Mikko Kuparinen Producer: Oskari Huttu Production companies: Lucy Loves Drama, Göta Film Language of dialogue: Finnish Scheduled release: 2018/2019 Production budget: 2 MEUR Status of the production: in development Looking for: sales agent, financing, co-producer World sales: available
REPRESENTATIVES AT FFA
Oskari Huttu Producer
Mikko Kuparinen Director
WO RK S I N development
THE WO O DCUTTE R’S STORY A strange chain of dreadful events affects the life of Pepe, a kind and optimistic woodcutter from Northern Finland. After everything around him comes crashing down – he loses his job, his wife leaves him, his best friend commits suicide and even his house burns down – Pepe heads to Helsinki to find out who he really is. And to find meaning in his life. On his long journey, he finally confronts his presumed father – a cynical psychic singer with a dark past, who is said to be able to contact the deceased. The Woodcutter’s Story is an existential dark comedy. But in the end, it’s all about hope Director’s Statement I once encountered a peculiar woodcutter from the North, not far away from my hometown. He told me about his life; how he was forced to leave the village and his family, how he lost everything. It was a sad story, but he seemed to be fine with it. He accepted his fate without bitterness - as if he knew a deeper meaning behind it all. I wanted to test him, to see if I can crush this benevolent man. Like Buñuel’s Nazarin or De Sica’s Miracle in Milan, The Woodcutter’s Story, a loose adaptation of the Book of Job, raises an important question: Is goodness impossible in our modern world? I want to make a film
that is comical and entertaining, yet mythical and ambiguously gruesome at the same time. Mikko Myllylahti (b. 1980) is a Finnish writer, director and acclaimed poet. He graduated from ELO Helsinki Film School in 2012. His short films have been shown at several major film festivals. The Handbag (2013) was nominated for Best Nordic Short Film, Love in Vain (2009) premiered at Locarno Film Festival and The Pyramid (2012) won Student Prize at Tampere Film Festival. He also wrote The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki (2016) – a feature film which won Un Certain Regard Prize in Cannes. The Woodcutter’s Story will be his feature debut as a director. Aamu Film Company was founded in 2001 and has produced The Painting Sellers (2009) by Juho Kuosmanen, which was awarded the Cinefondation Award at Cannes Film Festival, and a Jussi-nominated Things We Do For Love (2013) by Matti Ijäs. Kuosmanen’s feature debut, The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Maki (2016) won Un Certain Regard Prize at Cannes Film Festival. Over the years, we have noticed that the art of cinema is serious fun. We aim to build long relationships with directors and screenwriters who have a unique approach to filmmaking. 50
Original title: Metsurin tarina Genre: Drama/Comedy/Art house Director: Mikko Myllylahti Producer: Jussi Rantamäki Production company/companies: Aamu Filmcompany Ltd. Language of dialogue: Finnish Scheduled release: 2019 Production budget: 1 030 000 EUR Status of the production: in development Looking for: co-producer, sales agent World sales : available
REPRESENTATIVES AT FFA
Mikko Myllylahti Writer / Director
Jussi Rantamäki Producer
C O NTACT INFORMATION WO RKS IN PROG RESS PROJ ECTS
THE ETERNAL ROAD Contact person: Ilkka Matila, producer Email: ilkka.matila@matilarohr.com Mobile: +358 40 5011 025 www.matilarohr.com
EUTHANIZER Contact person: Jani Pösö, producer Email: jani@itsalive.fi Mobile: +358 50 582 9495 www.itsalive.fi
THE GOOD POSTMAN Contact person: Kaarle Aho, producer Email: kaarle.aho@mamo.fi Mobile: + 358 40 725 3936 www.mamo.fi
LAW OF THE LAND Contact person: Kai Nordberg, producer Email: kai.nordberg@mamo.fi Mobile: + 358 40 5073936 www.mamo.fi
THE STORY OF A MOBILE PHONE Contact person: Marianne Mäkelä, producer Email: marianne.makela@illume.fi Phone: +358 9 148 1489 (office) +358 50 4083325 (mobile) www.illume.fi
THICK LASHES OF LAURI MÄNTYVAARA Contact person: Jussi Rantamäki, producer rantamaki@aamufilmcompany.fi Mobile: +358 40 735 5977 www.aamufilmcompany.fi
TOM OF FINLAND Contact person: Annika Sucksdorff, producer, CEO Email: annika@helsinkifilmi.fi Mobile: +358 50 596 8089 www.tof.fi
THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER Contact person: Mikko Tenhunen, producer Email: mikko.tenhunen@ tuntematonsotilas2017.fi Mobile: +358 40 506 9435 www.tuntematonsotilas2017.fi
LOVE AND FURY Contact person: Rimbo Salomaa, producer Email: rimbo.salomaa@solarfilms.com Mobile: +358 40 550 1770 www.solarfilms.com
POST PUNK DISO RDER Contact person: Sami Jahnukainen, producer Email: sami@mouka.fi Mobile: +358 40 731 4354 www.pkn.rocks | www.mouka.fi
WO RKS I N D EVE LO PME NT PROJ ECTS
BRIDES OF NEPAL Contact person: Kirsi Mattila, producer Email: kirsi.mattila@ icebreakerproductions.fi Mobile: +358 40 5131 829 www.icebreakerproductions.fi
STAR BOYS Contact person: Mika Ritalahti, producer Email: mika.ritalahti@silvamysterium. fi Mobile: +358 40 7074 848 www.silvamysterium.fi
CAFE LEHMITZ Contact person: Klaus Heydemann, producer Email: klaus@inland.fi Mobile: +358 400 279 255 www.inland.fi
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CARE Contact person: Alf Hemming, producer Email: alf.hemming@cinecat.fi Mobile: +358 400 505 544 www.imdb.com/company/co0025921
THE FOREST G IANT Contact person: Rimbo Salomaa, producer Email: rimbo.salomaa@solarfilms.com Mobile: +358 40 550 1770 www.solarfilms.com
THE G REAT BEAR Contact person: Maria Forsström, producer Email: maria@tastfilms.com Mobile: +44 7849110445 / +358 443020948 www.tastfilms.com
ME AND MAX Contact person: Kaisu Isto, producer Email: kaisu@luminoir.fi Mobile: +358 40 562 8139 www.luminoir.fi
NEVER AGAIN Contact person: Elli Toivoniemi, producer Email: elli@tuffifilms.com Mobile: +358 401721778 www.tuffifilms.com | ainosuni.weebly. com
SHERLOCK NORTH Contact person: Juha Wuolijoki, CEO Email: juha@snapperfilms.com Phone: +358 10 231 0710 (office) www.snapperfilms.com
WHITE HUNG ER Contact person: Oskari Huttu, producer Email: oskari@lucyloves.fi, mobile. +358 50 325 3353 www.lucyloves.fi
THE WOODCUTTER’S STO RY Contact person: Jussi Rantamäki, producer rantamaki@aamufilmcompany.fi Mobile: +358407355977 www.aamufilmcompany.fi
N OTES
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FILM CONSTELLATION
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Claudia Lewis (Panelist) (Former) President of Production at Fox Searchlight USA
MEDIAPLANPR www.mediaplanpr.com
NORDISK FILM AND TV FUND Petri Kemppinen CEO petri@nordiskfilmogtvfond. com Norway
G4C INNOVATION
Tatiana Detlofson PR Agent tatsfilm@gmail.com USA
Gudrun Giddings CEO, producer gudrungiddings@gmail.com USA
Andrea Reuter (Moderator) www.andreareuter.com andrea@andreareuter.com Sweden
Jacobine Van der Vloed (Project Coach) Consulting jacobinevloed@gmail.com The Netherlands
FINNISH CULTURAL INSTITUTE IN STOCKHOLM Julia Radliff Cultural Producer julia.radliff@ finlandsinstitutet.se Sweden
www.adamleipzig.com
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF INDEPENDENT FILMS “2MORROW/ZAVTRA” DOCUMENTARY FILM CENTER (MOSCOW) 2morrowfest.ru Anna Mielikova Program Director 2morrow.zavtra@gmail. com Russia
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Adam Leipzig (Panel Moderator) adam@adamleipzig.com USA
ICM www.icmpartners.com Jeff Barry Talent & Lit. Agent jbarry@icmpartners.com USA
WO RK S I N PROG RESS
North Finland
A Setting for Your Story 25% cash rebate for audiovisual productions, starting from 2017 www.nffc.fi
BORDERLESS OPPORTUNITIES
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SAVOY Kasarmikatu 46
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KINOPALATSI Kaisaniemenkatu 2
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HOTEL RADISSON BLU PLAZA Mikonkatu 23
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ANDORRA Eerikinkatu 11
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DUBROVNIK BAR Eerikinkatu 11
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ORION Eerikinkatu 15
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ASTORIA Iso Robertin katu 14
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