Playlist: based on true events

Published: January 11, 2024

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

Published: January 9, 2024

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

Published: January 8, 2024

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.

Published: January 8, 2024

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.

Published: January 5, 2024

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?

Published: December 28, 2023

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.

Published: December 28, 2023

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.

Published: December 27, 2023

Karmapa – Matka maailman katolla

“Karmapa – matka maailman katolla” (transl. “Karmapa – Journey on the Roof of the World”) is a follow-up documentary to “Karmapa – Jumaluuden kaksi tietä” (transl. “Karmapa – The Two Paths of Divinity”. “Journey on the Roof of the World” portrays the moral and motivational conflicts encountered by the creators.

The filming of “Karmapa – The Two Paths of Divinity” spanned three and a half years, during which the intricate work process of the creators was also documented. The filming involving the Karmapa residing in Tibet was conducted in collaboration with the Chinese government, causing the filming permit process to extend over several years.

As the film features appearances by the Dalai Lama and another Karmapa residing in India, the creators had to present a cover story about the film’s content to the Chinese government. Otherwise, the Chinese administration would hardly have approved the film.

This project wasn’t easily acceptable even within the Buddhist world, as the power struggle between the two Karmapas is a sensitive and divisive issue within Buddhism.

(Source: Art Films production)

Published: December 27, 2023

Karmapa – jumaluuden kaksi tietä

“Karmapa – The Two Paths of Divinity” is a documentary film directed by Arto Halonen in 1998. The film explores Tibet’s spiritual community and the politics of Tibetan China. It follows the preparations of two Karmapa Lama candidates for the role of the country’s spiritual leader. The documentary was filmed in Tibet and China, under the supervision of Chinese authorities. It has received accolades, including the European Union humanitarian award.

Karmapa believes that the future of humanity hinges on understanding, compassion, and spiritual development. The film introduces two approaches to Karmapa: the traditional Buddhist teachings and a more modern perspective aimed at addressing contemporary challenges.

The film sheds light on Karmapa’s efforts to bridge traditional values and teachings with the modern world, showcasing how his teachings offer insights and solutions to the lives of people today.

Published: December 27, 2023

Ringside

“Ringside” is a dramatized documentary about boxer Tarmo Uusivirta as he prepares for the final and most crucial fight of his career. This match ultimately becomes a battle within himself amidst the crossfire of changing life values.

At 34 years old, the athlete has risen from rock bottom back into the boxing ring. He is on the path towards a world championship through an European Champion title fight. However, love transforms his mindset, and at the most critical moment of his career, he is ready to give up for the sake of life.

(Source: Art Films production)