Age rating: K-16

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A Quiet Place: Day One

Sam is a terminally ill poet living in a hospice, suffering from cancer, who has not yet accepted his fate. He is angry, rude, and mean to everyone at the facility. The hospice nurse persuades him to join a group outing to the theater in Manhattan, promising him a trip to Harlem to eat at his favorite pizzeria. Suddenly, explosions start raining down from the sky, and strange beings arrive to spread death and destruction. Insect-like killers mow down most of the city and its inhabitants, and only a small group of residents survive the initial attacks.

Amid the apocalypse, Sam encounters a quiet British student named Eric. Together, they head towards the evacuation point and Sam’s mythical pizzeria. The duo must learn the hard way how the aliens hunt with extreme efficiency, detecting even the slightest rustle or clatter. Sam wants to die on his own terms, fulfilling his final wish without surrendering to the murderous extraterrestrial invaders.

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Back to Black

Back to Black tells the story of Amy Winehouse’s journey to stardom before her untimely death at 27. It follows the young woman behind the phenomenon and the turbulent relationship, heavily scrutinized by the tabloids, that gave birth to her iconic songs. Amy Winehouse poured everything into her lyrics—her love, her sorrow, and her soul

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Drive-Away Dolls

The film is directed by Ethan Coen, known for being one half of the Coen brothers. This movie is special because it marks Ethan Coen’s first solo project without his brother Joel.

“Drive-Away Dolls” is an action-comedy that follows the wild journey of two women, Jamie and Marian, as they embark on a spontaneous road trip in search of change in their lives. Jamie has just broken up with her girlfriend and is looking for a fresh start, while Marian is her carefree friend who is always on the hunt for new adventures. Along the way, they find themselves caught up in unexpected and often comedic situations that lead them deeper into trouble.

The film’s story blends classic road movie elements with humor and crime film aspects. It is fast-paced and full of surprises, but at its core, it is about the friendship between the characters and their journey of self-discovery. The movie also highlights feminist themes, focusing on strong female protagonists who take control of their own lives.

“Drive-Away Dolls” features an impressive cast, including Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, Beau Bridges, and Pedro Pascal. The film has garnered attention for its sharp dialogue and quirky humor characteristic of the Coen brothers’ style, while also offering a fresh perspective through Ethan Coen’s personal direction.

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Kolmistaan

Tomi Laakso is a 35-year-old man living a happy family life with his wife Maria and their two young children. Despite being married for a long time, Tomi and Maria’s relationship remains tender and passionate. One day, Tomi accidentally meets another woman, Janita. Tomi becomes infatuated with Janita and finds himself thinking about her repeatedly. Janita becomes an obsession for Tomi. He decides to be honest in his life and tells his wife about Janita. To Tomi’s surprise, Maria wants to meet Janita. Maria wants to understand what is going on. When Maria sees how much in love Tomi is with Janita, she flees from home. Shocked by the loss of his wife, Tomi tries to end his relationship with Janita. During her escape, Maria reflects on her life: she realizes she loves Tomi and wants to be with him.

A story about love and the boundaries of love.

Director:
Peter Lindholm

Starring:
Kari-Pekka Toivonen
Liisa Kuoppamäki
Matleena Kuusniemi
Elias Eronen
Taneli Mäkelä

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The Beekeeper

Adam Clay, retired from the Beekeepers special forces, leads a peaceful life tending to bees. When his elderly neighbor falls victim to a scam and loses all her savings with tragic consequences, Clay must spring back into action. Adam Clay uncovers a conspiracy reaching the highest echelons of power, where ruthless businessmen plot against society’s most vulnerable. With no one else interested in bringing the perpetrators to justice, he must take the law into his own hands.

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Dream Scenario

University professor Paul Matthews begins to appear randomly in people’s dreams as a passive onlooker. The henpecked hero tries to shrug off the inexplicable events, but the media decides to turn him into a phenomenon. As the turmoil progresses, it takes on increasingly nightmarish features, and there is no gratitude standing at the end.

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Poor Things

Bella is a young woman, whose brilliant yet eccentric scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter brings back to life. Initially, Bella is eager to learn about life under Baxter’s wing. However, in her thirst for life, she embarks on a turbulent journey across continents with the slick and debauched lawyer Duncan Wedderburn. Through this, Bella, who has shed her previous prejudices, grows into a steadfast advocate for freedom and equality.

The film was awarded four Oscars:

1. Best Actress: Emma Stone received this prestigious award for her portrayal of the young Victorian woman named Bella Baxter, brought back to life.
2. Best Production Design: James Price and Shona Heath were recognized for the visual world of the film.
3. Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Nadia Stacey, Mark Coulier, and Josh Weston created impressive makeup and hairstyling.
4. Best Costume Design: Holly Waddington was responsible for the stunning costumes, transporting viewers to the Victorian era and the steampunk adventure.

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Dogs Don’t Wear Pants

“Dogs Don’t Wear Pants” is a poignant and stark love story about the encounter between Juha (Pekka Strang) and Mona (Krista Kosonen) in the world of BDSM. Visually striking, J-P Valkeapää’s direction encompasses intense emotions and unexpected, dark humor.

Single father Juha lives as if in a dream, a prisoner of his past. Everything changes when he meets a peculiar woman, dominatrix Mona. A compelling connection sparks between Mona and Juha. Beyond the mundane, they have their world where Mistress Mona brings Juha’s suppressed emotions to life with violent means. Despite the pain, Juha desires more and goes further. Will this dangerous journey lead to ruin or enlightenment?

Highly acclaimed by the international press, the film has achieved unprecedented success at festivals worldwide. Premiering at Cannes Director’s Fortnight, “Dogs Don’t Wear Pants” has been showcased at various international film festivals including Karlovy Vary, Toronto, Busan, and London. Garnering recognition with numerous awards and distributed to theaters in 25 countries, “Dogs Don’t Wear Pants” has been widely praised and acclaimed.

Director: J-P Valkeapää

Starring:
Krista Kosonen
Pekka Strang
Ilona Huhta
Jani Volanen

The film brilliantly won six Jussi Awards:
Best Actor (Pekka Strang)
Best Cinematography (Pietari Peltola)
Best Music (Michal Nejtek)
Best Sound Design (Micke Nyström)
Best Editing (Mervi Junkkonen)
Best Makeup Design (Aija Beata Rjabovska)

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They Have Escaped

Directed by J-P Valkeapää, “They Have Escaped” is a road movie depicting the journey of two young individuals across summertime Finland.

Raisa is the most troubled youth at a juvenile facility. Joni arrives at the institution as a civilian service worker. What unites these young people is the dream of escape, a chance to flee the violence of reality and constant despair. With the civilian serviceman possessing a master key and access to the institution’s old Volvo, the journey can begin.

The escape across summertime Finland is a wild adventure in two senses. It tells a story of fragile love and moments of insane happiness and freedom amidst a cruel world. Yet, it is also insane because the plan is fragile, and society may not let go— or will it?

Starring:
Roosa Söderholm
Teppo Manner
Petteri Pennilä
Sara Paavolainen
Pelle Heikkilä
Jari Pehkonen

The film won a total of four Jussi Awards:
Best Film (Aleksi Bardy)
Best Direction (J.-P. Valkeapää)
Best Sound Design (Micke Nyström)
Best Editing (Mervi Junkkonen)

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Heart of a Lion

Dome Karukoski’s film “Heart of a Lion” is a touching and gritty tale of a small-town neo-Nazi, Teppo (played by Peter Franzén), who falls passionately in love with the fiery Sari (Laura Birn). His new girlfriend comes with a dark-skinned son, Ramu (Yusufa Sidibeh). Will Teppo outgrow his prejudices? Will love conquer or succumb to the pressure from his group of friends? And what will become of Ramu, who finds himself with a neo-Nazi stepfather figure? Behind the film’s unexpected and edgy humor lies deep emotions, and at its core beats the brave and gentle heart of a lion.

Director:
Dome Karukoski

Starring:
Peter Franzén
Yusufa Sidibeh
Jasper Pääkkönen
Laura Birn

The film won the Jussi Award for Best Supporting Actor (Jasper Pääkkönen).