Playlist: based on true events

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Kansanvalta

Young poet Laura Eklund Nhaga is seeking meaningful ways to influence the surrounding world. She explores various forms of activism, understanding that each of them can be effective in its own way. Eklund Nhaga moves effortlessly from the steps of the Parliament House to British university poetry nights and to the Capitol. The documentary by Greenlit Productions examines some of the biggest questions of the present moment, such as global change, the rise of populism on social media, and grassroots movements. The film is audio-described. (Source: Yle Areena)

Note: Not available in DVD or Blu-ray format.

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Golda

Golda is a portrait of a unique woman and leader, Israel’s first and so far only female Prime Minister Golda Meir (portrayed by Oscar-winning Helen Mirren, The Queen). The film focuses on the difficult duties and decisions Meir faces as she navigates Israel through the 1973 Yom Kippur War. On October 6, 1973, Israel’s holiest day during Ramadan, an alliance of Egyptian and Syrian forces launched a surprise attack on the Sinai Peninsula and the Golan Heights. Known as Israel’s Iron Lady, Prime Minister Golda Meir battles against time, with millions of human lives at stake on both sides of the conflict. Struggling with impossible choices, Golda leads her people alone through an uncertain era, frustrated by the constant internal conflicts of her male-dominated government.

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Amsterdam

The year is 1933. In the aftermath of the First World War, wounded war veteran friends, Dr. Burt Berendsen, who employs unconventional methods, and attorney Harold Woodsman find themselves accused of murder when their shared clients, a United States senator and his daughter, die. The duo must uncover the true culprit behind the deaths and clear their names. “Amsterdam” is loosely based on real events surrounding the Business Plot conspiracy, where an attempt was made to overthrow U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and replace him with a dictator.

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Ystävät, toverit

The director of a nickel mine, Arno Jurmala, is celebrating his birthday. The workers praise him in their speeches and international business partners have been invited to the party. But behind the scenes, there is another world, led by a ruthless man for whom everything is for sale: nickel, weapons, and women. If someone tries to plot against the autocrat, the traitor will pay with their life. The film is inspired by the Petsamo area, where a northern “wild west” emerged around a nickel mine in the late 1930s. Different nationalities, ruthless people seeking quick wealth, and spies from countries preparing for war met there.

The film was directed by Rauni Mollberg.

Starring: Kari Rydman Pekka Salo Seija Kiiski Timo Lehtonen

Jussi Awards: Best Set Design – Tom Hamberg

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Badding

A fairytale-like depiction of the shy hero of Finnish rock, Rauli ‘Badding’ Somerjoki, portrays the whirlwind of a sensitive country boy amidst the harsh touring life. According to the director’s own words, the movie ‘is neither true nor false,’ but rather a fantasy that allows for various interpretations. Based on flashback sequences, the narrative begins with moments preceding the aging rock star’s comeback concert. The stage-frightened Badding-Rauli hits the road, fleeing. An old friend, Ossi, becomes Rauli’s chauffeur, although his motives are not entirely sincere. The road to Somero is burdened with memories, but the most crucial element, friendship, is discovered after all.

The film splendidly earned four different Jussi Awards: Best Film, Best Actor (Janne Reinikainen), Best Cinematography (Kari Sohlberg), Best Production Design (Minna Santakari), and Best Costume Design (Tiina Kaukanen).

Starring:
Janne Reinikainen
Peter Franzén
Karoliina Blackburn
Puntti Valtonen

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Spandex Sapiens

The lonely son of a Canadian preacher man, Michael, builds the first professional boxing league far away in Finland. Transgender boxer Jessica joins, competing against Michael both physically and ideologically. Anger and frustration affect Michael, now 40 years old and still seeking a partner. He yearns for love, but first, he must learn not to hate. After finding true love online, Michael redefines his values and reinvents himself as a boxer in love.

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Knucklebonehead

Oscar is 40 years 40-year-old teacher whose Jekyll and Hyde lifestyle starts to cast a shadow on his family life. Just when he is starting to show signs of calming down following the birth of his firstborn, new mortgage, and several visits to a psychiatrist, his manager lures him back into his old life as a rock’n’roll lunatic and to an apocalyptic three-week tour in China.

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Själö: Island of Souls

For centuries, a closed institution served as a final destination for socially transgressive women at Själö, an isolated island in the Baltic Sea. The outcast women were kept there in detention to be observed, studied, and measured – in much the same way as the scientists now focus on the surrounding nature at the research center the place has been converted to. While a young scientist is collecting samples on the island, the past emerges in the whispers of the unsent letters and empty rooms of the hospital. The space fills up with hidden memories as the invisible archives become alive. Whose stories are remembered and whose are forgotten?

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Sibelius

“Sibelius” is a story about the life and career of the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. The film follows Sibelius from his youth to adulthood, showcasing his musical achievements, and creative process, as well as his personal challenges and internal conflicts.

The movie takes the viewer through Sibelius’ life stages: the development of his youth and musical talent, artistic exploration, the significance of love and family, and his struggle with his own musical identity.

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Rentun ruusu

The film tells the colorful story of Irwin Goodman and Vexi Salmi, two iconic figures in Finnish music. The film follows the journey of the wildly popular folk artist through the highs of tremendous success and the subsequent downturns.

Martti Suosalo was awarded the Best Actor Jussi Award.