Son of Revenge – The Story of Kalevala

In 11th-century Finland a feud between two brothers, Kalervo and Untamo, leads to the massacre of an entire village. The only survivor is Kalervo’s infant son, Kullervo, whom Untamo decides to raise as his own. But Kullervo is different—strong, and unpredictable. As he grows, Kullervo is treated as both an outcast and a slave, unaware of his true lineage. His raw power and rebellious nature make him a dangerous presence and after a series of violent clashes, the village attempts to execute him. Miraculously he survives and is sold into slavery under the blacksmith Ilmarinen. For the first time, Kullervo finds purpose, honing his skills and forging weapons—until a cruel betrayal shatters his brief happiness. When Kullervo learns the truth about his past, his path becomes clear: revenge. His journey takes him through treacherous lands into the hands of slave traders, only to uncover a devastating secret. As he returns to face Untamo he is no longer a lost boy but a warrior consumed by vengeance. In a final confrontation Kullervo forces Untamo to reckon with his sins. But revenge has its price and Kullervo’s fate is sealed in blood. His legend, however, will never die.

Tell Everyone

In 1898, in Southern Finland, a young woman arrives to Seili sanatorium island, a final destination for troublesome females. Amanda Aaltonen is a misfit with the spirit of anarchy and adventure. She has lead an unconventional vagabond life for a decade, and she tells everyone she has flown to Seili on a hot-air balloon from Paris. Adamant to flee the hell out of the island, Amanda starts to plan her escape. But to succeed, she has to connect with the other women, and before she knows it, she has found a soul sister in Little Greta, and, for the first time ever, a community that knows what life is like for misfit women. When she is ordered to help repair the island’s crown jewels, the fishermen’s nets, she gains a new status – and falls secretly in love. But the new happiness is soon to end: the true friendship is painfully lost, the secret love is betrayed. The oblivion of madness whispers alluringly. Amanda tries to save herself by freezing her heart once more. But when a new young patient is forced in, reflecting on her life, she has to gamble one final time with her own fate, and choose between freedom and belonging, escape and acceptance.

Father’s Day

Identical 13-year-old twin girls don’t know who their father is. They are done listening to their mother’s fairytales about their father and want to find him.

Their search leads to Tinke. He is an alcoholic living at a Salvation Army housing unit, helped by his best and only friend Veikko. Tinke is overjoyed by the prospect of becoming a father. Saimi, the mother, wants none of this. Veikko does not know what to do. Tinke’s health is turning from bad to worse and Saimi is pleading with him to stop the inevitable encounter from happening.

Tinke is played by an amateur and an alcoholic Tomi Lindfors.

Hippo Love

Hippo Love’s set-up is an evening-long conversation between two strangers around a wedding party in Greece while both are in the midst of their own breakups. Touko, a struggling musician still technically married, feels drawn to Eevis, who is just about to separate from her partner. Also attending the wedding is Touko’s wife, the famous pop star Leena, who quickly senses the chemistry between Touko and Eevis. Set against the stunning seaside landscapes of Greece, the evening unfolds through intimate conversations about parenthood, childlessness, sex, divorce, marriage—and, of course, love— while celebrating an unforgettable wedding.

Happy Sassy Beautiful

Kaija Koo is one of the most popular artists in Finnish pop music and power ballads. This biographical film follows Kaija Koo’s journey through music and life as she navigates her challenges, ultimately discovering true freedom in both her personal and professional life. The story tells her transformation from an insecure young woman into an independent and strong individual, whose personal growth and especially the songs born from it have empowered many generations.

Lapland War

Lapland War is a story about young individuals caught in the crossfire of geopolitical upheaval. 

As they endure the harsh realities of World War II, they discover the resilience of the human spirit.

Helsinki International Film Festival –
Rakkautta & Anarkiaa ry
Bulevardi 5 A 12
00120 Helsinki, Finland

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