The TIFF 2024 TV lineup is full of buzzy world premieres and screenings from beloved auteurs venturing into the episodic space.
The Primetime lineup includes eight new series, with five world premieres. For one, “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” director Tomas Alfredson reimagines Ingmar Bergman and Liv Ullman’s iconic 2000 film “Faithless” as a six-part limited series.
The show’s synopsis reads: “In the present day, renowned director David Howard, 73, is reunited with his former great love, actress Marianne Vogler, 75 (Lena Endre). Their encounter forces them to confront the painful repercussions of their past relationship, not only for themselves but also for their families. 40 years prior, a young David (Gustav Lindh) and Marianne (Frida Gustavsson) find themselves entwined in a passionate love affair which they must keep a secret, as Marianne is married to David’s best friend, Markus (August Wittgenstein).”
Other highlights include the world premiere of Janicza Bravo’s sci-fi series “The Listeners,...
The Primetime lineup includes eight new series, with five world premieres. For one, “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” director Tomas Alfredson reimagines Ingmar Bergman and Liv Ullman’s iconic 2000 film “Faithless” as a six-part limited series.
The show’s synopsis reads: “In the present day, renowned director David Howard, 73, is reunited with his former great love, actress Marianne Vogler, 75 (Lena Endre). Their encounter forces them to confront the painful repercussions of their past relationship, not only for themselves but also for their families. 40 years prior, a young David (Gustav Lindh) and Marianne (Frida Gustavsson) find themselves entwined in a passionate love affair which they must keep a secret, as Marianne is married to David’s best friend, Markus (August Wittgenstein).”
Other highlights include the world premiere of Janicza Bravo’s sci-fi series “The Listeners,...
- 8/9/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Nordic sales powerhouse TrustNordisk is launching international sales on queer sex drama Sauna, which has begun filming this month in Denmark.
Set in the Copenhagen queer community, the film follows Johan, a young man who believes he can find community working in a gay sauna, and who then falls in love when he meets transgender William.
It is the feature debut for Danish director Mathias Broe, who wrote the film with William Lippert based on Mads Ananda Lodahl’s novel of the same name.
Mads-August Hertz is producing for Nordisk Film Production with support from the New Danish Screen at the Danish Film Institute,...
Set in the Copenhagen queer community, the film follows Johan, a young man who believes he can find community working in a gay sauna, and who then falls in love when he meets transgender William.
It is the feature debut for Danish director Mathias Broe, who wrote the film with William Lippert based on Mads Ananda Lodahl’s novel of the same name.
Mads-August Hertz is producing for Nordisk Film Production with support from the New Danish Screen at the Danish Film Institute,...
- 5/15/2024
- ScreenDaily
When Smoke Sauna Sisterhood opens, in deep winter, the forest scene might be something by Currier & Ives: a snow-frosted cabin surrounded by tall trees, the aesthetic perfection approaching kitsch. But there’s also the ferocity on the face of Kadi Kivilo, captured in tight close-up, as she hacks away at the surface of a frozen lake. Spending time through the seasons with Kivilo and the other women who share a remote sauna with her — and take turns immersing themselves in the natural plunge pool she’s carved out — Anna Hints’ documentary strikes a bold balance between intense intimacy and respectful distance.
At the heart of the handsome film is a living tradition, the smoke sauna of Estonia’s Vana-Võromaa region, a custom that’s been recognized by Unesco as an intangible cultural heritage. The sauna is “a sacred place where you cleanse yourself,” as the eldest woman in the film describes it.
At the heart of the handsome film is a living tradition, the smoke sauna of Estonia’s Vana-Võromaa region, a custom that’s been recognized by Unesco as an intangible cultural heritage. The sauna is “a sacred place where you cleanse yourself,” as the eldest woman in the film describes it.
- 11/27/2023
- by Sheri Linden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cinema Eye Honors, a group the recognizes excellence in the artistry and craft of nonfiction filmmaking, announced the nominees for its 17th annual awards on Thursday, November 16th. The seven films nominated for Outstanding Nonfiction Feature are “20 Days in Mariupol,” “32 Sounds,” “The Eternal Memory,” “Four Daughters,” “Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project,” “Kokomo City,” and “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie.” Ceh will present the winners at the annual awards ceremony to be held on January 12, 2024.
Leading the pack with six overall nominations is “Kokomo City,” a debut film from director D. Smith about the lives of four black trans sex workers. Smith was nominated for Outstanding Debut and Outstanding Direction. The film’s other three nominations were for Cinematography and Sound Design, as well as among The Unforgettables selection.
See Key dates for Best Documentary Feature contenders
Also earning nominations for their debut film was Mstyslav Chernov...
Leading the pack with six overall nominations is “Kokomo City,” a debut film from director D. Smith about the lives of four black trans sex workers. Smith was nominated for Outstanding Debut and Outstanding Direction. The film’s other three nominations were for Cinematography and Sound Design, as well as among The Unforgettables selection.
See Key dates for Best Documentary Feature contenders
Also earning nominations for their debut film was Mstyslav Chernov...
- 11/17/2023
- by John Benutty
- Gold Derby
Grimmfest, Manchester UK’s International Festival of Fantastic Film, joins Méliès International Festivals Federation.
Regular attendees that look forward to catching up with the annual selection of short film premieres at Grimmfest, will be pleased to hear that this year, Grimmfest will be hosting three short film programmes across the festival period (6th-8th October 2023), in celebration of their new membership of the Méliès International Festivals Federation.
The Federation, recently held their annual general assembly at Cannes film festival, and the 26 member festivals voted for Grimmfest to join, and thus become the only English festival of fantastic film in the Federation.
Each year member festivals vote for their best ‘Fantastic’ feature film and short film, with an award for each, presented at Sitges. Previous winners have included Alex Garland’s Men, Prano Baily-Bond’s Censor, Anders Thomas Jensen’s Riders Of Justice, Peter Strickland’s In Fabric, Lars Von Trier...
Regular attendees that look forward to catching up with the annual selection of short film premieres at Grimmfest, will be pleased to hear that this year, Grimmfest will be hosting three short film programmes across the festival period (6th-8th October 2023), in celebration of their new membership of the Méliès International Festivals Federation.
The Federation, recently held their annual general assembly at Cannes film festival, and the 26 member festivals voted for Grimmfest to join, and thus become the only English festival of fantastic film in the Federation.
Each year member festivals vote for their best ‘Fantastic’ feature film and short film, with an award for each, presented at Sitges. Previous winners have included Alex Garland’s Men, Prano Baily-Bond’s Censor, Anders Thomas Jensen’s Riders Of Justice, Peter Strickland’s In Fabric, Lars Von Trier...
- 6/16/2023
- by Peter 'Witchfinder' Hopkins
- Horror Asylum
Goteborg, Sweden — “Peacemaker,” produced by leading company Mrp Matila Röhr Productions for Finnish pubcaster Yle, is the first Finnish drama pick-up for newly launched Nordic sales outfit REivent Studios.
The company’s sales & marketing director Helene Aurø said the political drama, set in an international arena, with a strong female lead (“Bordertown”’s Irina Björklund) has immediately attracted attention from leading international players such as Benelux’s Lumière Group, first to acquired licencing rights.
The ten-part series set between Turkey, Syria and Spain tells of the world of peacemakers, international arms trade dealings and the deep-layered relationships with people in power. A.J. Annila, known for his strong visual style and unconventional choices, will be helming a strong international cast. Besides Björklund, toplining the show are Louise Peterhoff and Kardo Razzazi (“Arne Dahl”).
Mrp producer Johanna Enäsuo and screenwriter Eriika Etholen have spent the last three years developing the idea.
The company’s sales & marketing director Helene Aurø said the political drama, set in an international arena, with a strong female lead (“Bordertown”’s Irina Björklund) has immediately attracted attention from leading international players such as Benelux’s Lumière Group, first to acquired licencing rights.
The ten-part series set between Turkey, Syria and Spain tells of the world of peacemakers, international arms trade dealings and the deep-layered relationships with people in power. A.J. Annila, known for his strong visual style and unconventional choices, will be helming a strong international cast. Besides Björklund, toplining the show are Louise Peterhoff and Kardo Razzazi (“Arne Dahl”).
Mrp producer Johanna Enäsuo and screenwriter Eriika Etholen have spent the last three years developing the idea.
- 1/30/2019
- by Annika Pham
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Sales company inks raft of deals on Finland-Norway co-production.
LevelK has closed a first round of deals for debut feature director Jussi Hiltunen’s action drama Law Of The Land, starring award-winning actor Ville Virtanen (Sauna, Bad Family).
The Finland-Norway co-production sold to China (Lemon Tree Media), Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg (Just Entertainment) and Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Moldova, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia, Albania and Bulgaria (HBO Central Europe).
Set in the Arctic desert of the North on either side of the Finland-Sweden border, Law Of The Land is a “modern western” that follows Lasse, a retiring policeman who gets caught up between his legitimate and illegitimate sons who are trying to kill each other. With the conflict filling the area with an atmosphere of vengeance, Lasse is forced to confront his past mistakes as he tries to prevent violence.
The film also features Antti Holma, Mikko Neuvonen and longtime...
LevelK has closed a first round of deals for debut feature director Jussi Hiltunen’s action drama Law Of The Land, starring award-winning actor Ville Virtanen (Sauna, Bad Family).
The Finland-Norway co-production sold to China (Lemon Tree Media), Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg (Just Entertainment) and Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Moldova, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia, Albania and Bulgaria (HBO Central Europe).
Set in the Arctic desert of the North on either side of the Finland-Sweden border, Law Of The Land is a “modern western” that follows Lasse, a retiring policeman who gets caught up between his legitimate and illegitimate sons who are trying to kill each other. With the conflict filling the area with an atmosphere of vengeance, Lasse is forced to confront his past mistakes as he tries to prevent violence.
The film also features Antti Holma, Mikko Neuvonen and longtime...
- 3/13/2017
- by hjnoh2007@gmail.com (Jean Noh)
- ScreenDaily
Seven films selected for scheme, which awards projects a $24,000 development fund.
Nordisk Film & TV Fond has confirmed the seven genre film projects selected for its popular Nordic Genre Boost scheme.
Scroll down for a full list of projects
Selections include the second feature from When Animals Dream (pictured) director Jonas Arnby of Denmark; the third feature from Finnish director Ulrika Bengts (The Disciple) and the directorial debut feature of Swedish producer Olivier Guerpillon, whose producing credits include Sound of Noise.
A total of 61 projects applied for the third and final round of Nordic Genre Boost development support.
Each project receives a $24,000 (NOK200,00) development grant, and access to two residential workshops: one held in collaboration with Night Visions International Festival in Helsinki (April 5-9), and a second during New Nordic Films’ Co-Production and Finance Market in Haugesund (Aug 22-25).
Guest tutors at the workshops include Jinga Films’ Julian Richards, Xyz Films’ Todd Brown, Lindsay Peters...
Nordisk Film & TV Fond has confirmed the seven genre film projects selected for its popular Nordic Genre Boost scheme.
Scroll down for a full list of projects
Selections include the second feature from When Animals Dream (pictured) director Jonas Arnby of Denmark; the third feature from Finnish director Ulrika Bengts (The Disciple) and the directorial debut feature of Swedish producer Olivier Guerpillon, whose producing credits include Sound of Noise.
A total of 61 projects applied for the third and final round of Nordic Genre Boost development support.
Each project receives a $24,000 (NOK200,00) development grant, and access to two residential workshops: one held in collaboration with Night Visions International Festival in Helsinki (April 5-9), and a second during New Nordic Films’ Co-Production and Finance Market in Haugesund (Aug 22-25).
Guest tutors at the workshops include Jinga Films’ Julian Richards, Xyz Films’ Todd Brown, Lindsay Peters...
- 2/17/2017
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
Projects participated in the Nordic festival’s works in progress event.
Ruben Ostlund got buyers and festival programmers hopping with excitement in Goteborg as he presented the first footage from his forthcoming fifth feature The Square during the festival’s work in progress pitches.
Ostlund screened about seven minutes from one scene of the new film, during which a controversial performance artist (played by Terry Notary) makes guests at a black-tie art gala very uncomfortable. “You know I love awkward situations,” the director said.
Goteborg’s audience of industry experts commented that they were impressed by the confidence of the unnerving scene, which showed Ostlund working on a bigger scale even than his last hit, Force Majeure.
At a festival session later for the public, Ostlund previewed a second clip from the film, in which a museum director (Claes Bang) delivers a self-centered video apology to a boy he had accused of being a thief.
Another high-profile...
Ruben Ostlund got buyers and festival programmers hopping with excitement in Goteborg as he presented the first footage from his forthcoming fifth feature The Square during the festival’s work in progress pitches.
Ostlund screened about seven minutes from one scene of the new film, during which a controversial performance artist (played by Terry Notary) makes guests at a black-tie art gala very uncomfortable. “You know I love awkward situations,” the director said.
Goteborg’s audience of industry experts commented that they were impressed by the confidence of the unnerving scene, which showed Ostlund working on a bigger scale even than his last hit, Force Majeure.
At a festival session later for the public, Ostlund previewed a second clip from the film, in which a museum director (Claes Bang) delivers a self-centered video apology to a boy he had accused of being a thief.
Another high-profile...
- 2/6/2017
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
A total of 21 projects are set to be presented at the event, which last year showcased Cannes hit The Happiest Day In The Life of Olli Mäki.
The fifth edition of the Finnish Film Affair runs from September 20 -22. The programme will showcase 40 Finnish titles, screening 24 recent releases and presenting a further 21 films as works in progress, 11 of which are currently in production while 10 are in development.
Expectation is high as it was at the Finnish Film Affair works in progress presentations in 2015 that sales agents and buyers got their first look at Aamu Film Compnay´s The Happiest Day In The Life of Olli Mäki, directed by Juho Kuosmanen, which won the Un Certain Regard best film prize at this year´s Cannes Film Festival.
A jury will select a Best Pitch from the eleven Works in Progress projects. The following projects will be vying for the prize awarded by a jury comprising Sergei Rakhlin, chair...
The fifth edition of the Finnish Film Affair runs from September 20 -22. The programme will showcase 40 Finnish titles, screening 24 recent releases and presenting a further 21 films as works in progress, 11 of which are currently in production while 10 are in development.
Expectation is high as it was at the Finnish Film Affair works in progress presentations in 2015 that sales agents and buyers got their first look at Aamu Film Compnay´s The Happiest Day In The Life of Olli Mäki, directed by Juho Kuosmanen, which won the Un Certain Regard best film prize at this year´s Cannes Film Festival.
A jury will select a Best Pitch from the eleven Works in Progress projects. The following projects will be vying for the prize awarded by a jury comprising Sergei Rakhlin, chair...
- 9/19/2016
- ScreenDaily
Sidse Babett Knudsen joins cast of Finnish-Swedish-Estonian drama.
Borgen and The Duke Of Burgundy star Sidse Babett Knudsen has joined the cast of The Eternal Road (Ikitie), the Finnish-Swedish-Estonian drama directed by Aj Annila that begins shooting in Estonia today (June 20).
Ilkka Matila produces for Helsinki-based Mrp Matila Rohr Productions while co-producers are Martin Person from Sweden’s Person Anagram and Kristian Taska from Estonia’s Taska Film.
The film, which will shoot for about six weeks between now and January 2017, is based on Antti Tuuri’s bestselling book of the same name; Tuuri has written the screenplay alongside the director.
Tommi Korpela (A Man’s Job) plays Jussi Ketola, an American who returns to his Finnish homeland during the Great Depression. He is abducted by right wing thugs and flees to establish a new life in the Soviet Union where American immigrants take part in building a worker’s paradise until Stalin’s government turns against...
Borgen and The Duke Of Burgundy star Sidse Babett Knudsen has joined the cast of The Eternal Road (Ikitie), the Finnish-Swedish-Estonian drama directed by Aj Annila that begins shooting in Estonia today (June 20).
Ilkka Matila produces for Helsinki-based Mrp Matila Rohr Productions while co-producers are Martin Person from Sweden’s Person Anagram and Kristian Taska from Estonia’s Taska Film.
The film, which will shoot for about six weeks between now and January 2017, is based on Antti Tuuri’s bestselling book of the same name; Tuuri has written the screenplay alongside the director.
Tommi Korpela (A Man’s Job) plays Jussi Ketola, an American who returns to his Finnish homeland during the Great Depression. He is abducted by right wing thugs and flees to establish a new life in the Soviet Union where American immigrants take part in building a worker’s paradise until Stalin’s government turns against...
- 6/20/2016
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Umedia boards rights to action-drama set to shoot in South Africa.
The Hobbit star Richard Armitage and Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom actress Naomie Harris are to star in action-drama Clearance, from producers Ryan Haidarian (Vehicle 19), Andrew D Corkin (We Are What We Are), Jesse Fryckman (Sauna), and David Murdoch (1 Star).
The English-language debut of Finnish director Aku Louhimies (Frozen Land), which is being sold in Cannes by Umedia International, tells the story of a hardened mine clearance expert (Armitage) and his pregnant partner (Harris) who are kidnapped in South Sudan and must navigate a vast minefield during their escape.
The script comes from Richard Campling and Svet Rouskov (The Colony), with shoot scheduled for South Africa in November 2015.
Umedia has world rights excluding South Africa and Scandinavia. Forefront Media, Uncorked Productions, Solar Films, and Sinner Films produce.
Armitage is currently filming on the third series of Bryan Fuller’s NBC TV series Hannibal while...
The Hobbit star Richard Armitage and Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom actress Naomie Harris are to star in action-drama Clearance, from producers Ryan Haidarian (Vehicle 19), Andrew D Corkin (We Are What We Are), Jesse Fryckman (Sauna), and David Murdoch (1 Star).
The English-language debut of Finnish director Aku Louhimies (Frozen Land), which is being sold in Cannes by Umedia International, tells the story of a hardened mine clearance expert (Armitage) and his pregnant partner (Harris) who are kidnapped in South Sudan and must navigate a vast minefield during their escape.
The script comes from Richard Campling and Svet Rouskov (The Colony), with shoot scheduled for South Africa in November 2015.
Umedia has world rights excluding South Africa and Scandinavia. Forefront Media, Uncorked Productions, Solar Films, and Sinner Films produce.
Armitage is currently filming on the third series of Bryan Fuller’s NBC TV series Hannibal while...
- 5/13/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Umedia boards rights to action-drama set to shoot in South Africa.
The Hobbit star Richard Armitage and Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom actress Naomi Harris are to star in action-drama Clearance, from producers Ryan Haidarian (Vehicle 19), Andrew D Corkin (We Are What We Are), Jesse Fryckman (Sauna), and David Murdoch (1 Star).
The English-language debut of Finnish director Aku Louhimies (Frozen Land), which is being sold in Cannes by Umedia International, tells the story of a hardened mine clearance expert (Armitage) and his pregnant partner (Harris) who are kidnapped in South Sudan and must navigate a vast minefield during their escape.
The script comes from Richard Campling and Svet Rouskov (The Colony), with shoot scheduled for South Africa in November 2015.
Umedia has world rights excluding South Africa and Scandinavia. Forefront Media, Uncorked Productions, Solar Films, and Sinner Films produce.
Armitage is currently filming on the third series of Bryan Fuller’s NBC TV series Hannibal while...
The Hobbit star Richard Armitage and Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom actress Naomi Harris are to star in action-drama Clearance, from producers Ryan Haidarian (Vehicle 19), Andrew D Corkin (We Are What We Are), Jesse Fryckman (Sauna), and David Murdoch (1 Star).
The English-language debut of Finnish director Aku Louhimies (Frozen Land), which is being sold in Cannes by Umedia International, tells the story of a hardened mine clearance expert (Armitage) and his pregnant partner (Harris) who are kidnapped in South Sudan and must navigate a vast minefield during their escape.
The script comes from Richard Campling and Svet Rouskov (The Colony), with shoot scheduled for South Africa in November 2015.
Umedia has world rights excluding South Africa and Scandinavia. Forefront Media, Uncorked Productions, Solar Films, and Sinner Films produce.
Armitage is currently filming on the third series of Bryan Fuller’s NBC TV series Hannibal while...
- 5/13/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
We have been fans and supporters of Finnish helmer Aj Annila (Jade Warrior, Sauna) in these pages for a great many years now and it would appear that the long wait for his (surprisingly difficult) third film may now be over. After a couple of false starts with other projects Annila will soon be moving into production on a new, English language thriller titled Every Good Boy Does Fine with stars Famke Janssen and Michael Nyqvist. Here's the full announcement:Los Angeles, CA (May 5, 2015) - Michael Nyqvist (John Wick, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol) and Famke Janssen (X-men franchise, Taken trilogy) are set to star in the new Hitchcockian thriller Every Good Boy Does Fine, it was announced today by producers Jana Edelbaum and...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 5/5/2015
- Screen Anarchy
Michael Nyqvist (“The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”) and Famke Janssen (“X-Men,” “Taken”) are set to star in the Hitchcockian thriller “Every Good Boy Does Fine,” it was announced today by producers Jana Edelbaum and Rachel Cohen of iDeal Partners Film Fund and Margo Klewans. Emerging Finnish filmmaker Aj Annila (“Sauna”) will make his English-language feature film debut on the project, which Steve Buscemi and Wren Arthur of Olive Productions are executive producing with Tannaz Anisi, whose 13 Films will sell foreign rights at the Cannes Film Market. Written by Jonathan Dees, “Every Good Boy Does Fine” is a taut thriller about.
- 5/5/2015
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
A bare-chested Vladimir Putin busts a move in the new teaser for Iron Sky :The Coming Race. The Russian president will be one of the villains in the crowd-financed sci-fi spoof, the sequel to 2012 feature Iron Sky. In a new teaser for the film, producers give a sneak peek at their Putin character, played by Finnish actor Kari Ketonen (Sauna). The teaser shows Putin in his office at the Kremlin, taping together a new map of Europe, featuring a continent-spanning greater Russia. As the soundtrack swells, Putin stands up, tears off his shirt and starts
read more...
read more...
- 12/2/2014
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
News Simon Brew 22 Apr 2014 - 07:23
The sixth Resident Evil film may be called Resident Evil Rising. And Bingbing Li is set to return, says director Paul W S Anderson.
With his latest film, Pompeii, struggling to make much a dent at the Us box office earlier in the year, writer-director Paul W S Anderson is turning his attention to the sixth and apparently final film in the Resident Evil movie franchise.
It's already known and expected that Milla Jovovich will be reprising the role of Alice once again, but Anderson has also now said that he hopes Bingbing Li will also be back. She will be playing Ada Wong again, with the narrative following the venture to The Hive, "where The Red Queen plots total destruction over the human race".
The Tracking Board has revealed that the title for the new film is apparently Resident Evil Rising (although this...
The sixth Resident Evil film may be called Resident Evil Rising. And Bingbing Li is set to return, says director Paul W S Anderson.
With his latest film, Pompeii, struggling to make much a dent at the Us box office earlier in the year, writer-director Paul W S Anderson is turning his attention to the sixth and apparently final film in the Resident Evil movie franchise.
It's already known and expected that Milla Jovovich will be reprising the role of Alice once again, but Anderson has also now said that he hopes Bingbing Li will also be back. She will be playing Ada Wong again, with the narrative following the venture to The Hive, "where The Red Queen plots total destruction over the human race".
The Tracking Board has revealed that the title for the new film is apparently Resident Evil Rising (although this...
- 4/22/2014
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
We Are What We Are, Jim Mickle's remake of Jorge Grau's film, is hitting Cannes and, inside, you can check out a clip. eOne has already taken U.S. rights to the flick. We're just awaiting a release date.
Meanwhile, Aj Annila (Sauna) has been enlisted to direct a prequel to Mickle's remake, says Screen Daily. The film will be called What We Were. Jorge Grau is currently at work on a treatment for and will direct a sequel.
Memento Films International is handling sales at Cannes.
Read more...
Meanwhile, Aj Annila (Sauna) has been enlisted to direct a prequel to Mickle's remake, says Screen Daily. The film will be called What We Were. Jorge Grau is currently at work on a treatment for and will direct a sequel.
Memento Films International is handling sales at Cannes.
Read more...
- 5/16/2013
- shocktillyoudrop.com
Jim Mickle’s English-language remake of the incredible Spanish thriller Somo Lo Que Hay (We Are What We Are [review]) just joined the trilogy parade with the announcement of a prequel and a sequel, the former of which is set to shoot in 2014.
Screen Daily is reporting that Memento Films International is heading up sales on the remake’s sequel and prequel, the latter of which will be helmed by Finnish director Aj Annila. Concerning Annila’s first English-language film, Mickle said “Sauna is one of my favorite movies to come out in the last few years. I think Aj will take this world and the characters and make something personal, unique, and scary as hell. Can’t wait to see it all come to life.”
The prequel, which will be a Finnish-French-us co-production, will be called What We Were and will be written by Nick Damici, who also worked on...
Screen Daily is reporting that Memento Films International is heading up sales on the remake’s sequel and prequel, the latter of which will be helmed by Finnish director Aj Annila. Concerning Annila’s first English-language film, Mickle said “Sauna is one of my favorite movies to come out in the last few years. I think Aj will take this world and the characters and make something personal, unique, and scary as hell. Can’t wait to see it all come to life.”
The prequel, which will be a Finnish-French-us co-production, will be called What We Were and will be written by Nick Damici, who also worked on...
- 5/16/2013
- by Brad McHargue
- DreadCentral.com
Film and television composer Daniel Licht will receive Composer of the Year at the Third Annual Russian Horror Film Awards on January 28, 2012, in Moscow. Other honorees include director Stuart Gordon (Stuck), director Aj Annila (Sauna), and actress Jodelle Ferland (Twilight Saga: Eclipse).
From the Press Release:
Supported by the Russian Ministry of Culture and the Russian Cinematography Union, this event honors both native and foreign films, actors, directors, and composers within the horror genre. Past honorees include Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street) and Jeffrey Combs (Re-Animator). Daniel Licht (pictured) will be honored with Composer of the Year for his repertoire within the horror genre, which includes Thinner, Children of the Corn, "Dexter", and the upcoming video game Silent Hill: Downpour score.
Daniel Licht’s scoring approach has solidified him as one of a kind. Licht’s eccentric techniques create an anxious and fearful environment for his most notable work,...
From the Press Release:
Supported by the Russian Ministry of Culture and the Russian Cinematography Union, this event honors both native and foreign films, actors, directors, and composers within the horror genre. Past honorees include Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street) and Jeffrey Combs (Re-Animator). Daniel Licht (pictured) will be honored with Composer of the Year for his repertoire within the horror genre, which includes Thinner, Children of the Corn, "Dexter", and the upcoming video game Silent Hill: Downpour score.
Daniel Licht’s scoring approach has solidified him as one of a kind. Licht’s eccentric techniques create an anxious and fearful environment for his most notable work,...
- 12/21/2011
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
Evil Rising (also known as 'Sauna' [2008]), the second feature from award winning Finnish director Antti-Jussi Annila, is a challenging horror film with a heavy, exceptionally well-achieved eerie atmosphere that doesn’t let up. Unfortunately, despite his efforts towards evoking supernatural chills, Annila doesn’t appear to have been all that interested in the horror-side of his film, which, with a title like Evil Rising is initially disappointing.
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- 7/25/2011
- by Daniel Green
- CineVue
Antti-Jussi Annila's Sauna (or Evil Rising, for this UK DVD release) is undeniably a very good movie, if a clear case of the director slightly over-reaching after his magnificent (and sadly under-rated) debut, Jade Warrior. That film leant heavily on style over substance, but it was absolutely beautifully constructed and so clearly heartfelt it made something lasting and profound out of what was a fairly simple story. Sauna tries for cerebral and searching, only it doesn't quite manage to convince. It's a bitter, cynical little morality play where it's clear none of the cast are going to get off lightly, but Annila doesn't really introduce them well enough for this to have the impact it ought to. Couple that with the very specific period setting...
- 7/24/2011
- Screen Anarchy
Evil Rising Although name changes for foreign films can sometimes be a little baffling, Finnish horror “Evil Rising” is one of the few cases where it’s probably justified, as although its new moniker may sound depressingly generic, the original title “Sauna” really just conjures too many inappropriate and misleading images. The 2008 film was helmed by award-winning director Antti-Jussi Annila of “Jade Warrior” fame, and having garnered a fair amount of praise on the festival circuit now arrives on region 2 DVD through Matchbox Films. The film is set in 1595 and kicks off not long after the end of a long and bitter war between Russia and Sweden, following brothers called Erik and Knut who are part of a group of men from the two countries charged with marking out the new borders. Their task leads them through the harsh, snowy wilderness and brings out the worst in the two, leading...
- 7/21/2011
- by James Mudge
- Beyond Hollywood
Director: Antti-Jussi Annila. Review: Adam Wing. The name change is a little misleading perhaps, but there’s much to recommend about Antti-Jussi Annila’s slow burning Finnish horror hit. Sauna was released back home in 2008, a striking experience if ever there was one, but not in the way a name like Evil Rising might suggest. Sauna is a haunting, thoughtful, sombre affair that refuses to conform to modern day excess. Not quite what I was expecting from a film called Evil Rising, all it’s really missing is an exclamation mark, then at least we would surely have a candidate for ‘Most redundant film title of the year.’ It’s 1595 and the end of a twenty-five year war between Russia and Finland. Finnish brothers Eerik (Ville Virtanen) and Knut Spore (Tommi Eronen) have been commissioned to meet with Russian soldiers to form a joint commission that marks the new border.
- 7/14/2011
- 24framespersecond.net
If you're a fan of European films and their raw, visceral and very un-Hollywood approach, you will be interested to hear that the atmospheric chiller Evil Rising will be hitting shelves in the UK later this month.
Matchbox Films has announced a DVD release date of July 25 for the Finnish film, which is also known as Sauna and was directed by Antti-Jussi Annila. The official poster, a still from the film and a trailer are included here.
The synopsis says the films is "set in war-ravaged 16th century Europe where the horrors of battle are nothing compared to the darker fears that lurk in an isolated community."
The director subsequently teamed with Splice writer Doug Taylor for an upcoming project called Human, a twist on the werewolf genre in which a wolf is transformed into a man.
Matchbox Films has announced a DVD release date of July 25 for the Finnish film, which is also known as Sauna and was directed by Antti-Jussi Annila. The official poster, a still from the film and a trailer are included here.
The synopsis says the films is "set in war-ravaged 16th century Europe where the horrors of battle are nothing compared to the darker fears that lurk in an isolated community."
The director subsequently teamed with Splice writer Doug Taylor for an upcoming project called Human, a twist on the werewolf genre in which a wolf is transformed into a man.
- 7/2/2011
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
Before she makes her move to Hollywood and the craptacular machine that are Hollywood cut outs like MI4 & Sherlock Holmes 2, dragon tattooed girl Noomi Rapace has a few European titles in the works and the first to hit the international front is Svinalängorna (Beyond).
Directed by actress turned director Pernilla August and based on a best settling novel by Susanna Alakoski, Rapace leads the pack of great Finnish actors including Ville Virtanen (Sauna (review)) and Outi Mäenpää, as Leena, a woman who, on the morning of Christmas eve receives a phone call from the hospital of her childhood hometown explaining that her mother is dying, a call that brings up her dark childhood and leads her to seeing her mother for the first time in her adult life.
The trailer for the film is a little over dramatic (the music certainly doesn’t help though it builds a chilling mood...
Directed by actress turned director Pernilla August and based on a best settling novel by Susanna Alakoski, Rapace leads the pack of great Finnish actors including Ville Virtanen (Sauna (review)) and Outi Mäenpää, as Leena, a woman who, on the morning of Christmas eve receives a phone call from the hospital of her childhood hometown explaining that her mother is dying, a call that brings up her dark childhood and leads her to seeing her mother for the first time in her adult life.
The trailer for the film is a little over dramatic (the music certainly doesn’t help though it builds a chilling mood...
- 8/27/2010
- QuietEarth.us
Finnish production outfit Bronson Club - familiar around these parts thanks to their backing of Aj Annila's Sauna - have taken a step into the documentary world with their latest film. Titled Reindeerspotting, the film is a shockingly candid look into the world of Finnish drug and youth culture. The trailer is pretty uncomfortable stuff, shot by someone who was pretty clearly involved in the scene at the time and therefore given the sort of intimate access that comes from an insider's position. We've just gotten hold of an English subtitled version of the trailer, check it below.
- 4/24/2010
- Screen Anarchy
In Human , a "twist on the traditional werewolf story," a wolf turns into a man. If you dig that, you'll be happy to know that Perfect Circle Productions and Blind Spot are partnering for this tale and are moving on it with director Aj Annila and writer Doug Taylor. Annila directed Sauna and Taylor is one of the screenwriters on Splice . Annila says, "With Human I expect to do a totally different kind of werewolf film, so don't expect anything familiar to this sub-genre."...
- 2/17/2010
- shocktillyoudrop.com
We've all seen what happens when a man (or lately a bunch of shirtless brooding teenagers) transforms into a hairy beast that stalks the night, but ever wonder what would happen if the metamorphosis went the other way?
According to Screen Daily that's exactly what we're going to get as Vancouver’s Perfect Circle Productions has boarded Aj Annila’s (Sauna) new project Human as co-producers with Blind Spot Pictures.
Splice writer Doug Taylor is on board to pen the script for the film, which is said to be twist on the traditional werewolf story with the main character turning from a wolf into a human.
Excited? Yeah, we're not either, but we shall see, right?
- Uncle Creepy
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
Got news? Click here to submit it!
Morph into something interesting in the Dread Central forums!
According to Screen Daily that's exactly what we're going to get as Vancouver’s Perfect Circle Productions has boarded Aj Annila’s (Sauna) new project Human as co-producers with Blind Spot Pictures.
Splice writer Doug Taylor is on board to pen the script for the film, which is said to be twist on the traditional werewolf story with the main character turning from a wolf into a human.
Excited? Yeah, we're not either, but we shall see, right?
- Uncle Creepy
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
Got news? Click here to submit it!
Morph into something interesting in the Dread Central forums!
- 2/17/2010
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
I'm pretty sure I hate this idea: Aj Annila and Doug Taylor's Human offers a twist on the traditional werewolf story, with the main character turning from a wolf into a human. How uneventful. Given the Sundance buzz surrounding Splice's finale, a script by Taylor, maybe he's got some ideas on how to make this just as controversial? Vancouvers Perfect Circle Productions will serve as co-producers with Blind Spot Pictures. Annila, best known for horror film Sauna (which I absolutely despise), commented: "With Human I expect to do a totally different kind of werewolf film, so dont expect anything familiar to this sub-genre. I Dare You.
- 2/17/2010
- bloody-disgusting.com
I've read an early draft of the upcoming project from Sauna and Jade Warrior director Aj Annila and it's going to be gooooood. Beyond that I'll let them speak for themselves:
Aj Annila's werewolf inversion "Human" adds Canadian Bite
Tero Kaukomaa, of Helsinki prod co Blind Spot Pictures today announced that Aj Annila's latest project, a werewolf inversion picture called Human, has added several Canadian partners to the project.
Dean English and Karen Powell of Vancouver's Perfect Circle will co-produce, Doug Taylor (Splice) will co-write the screenplay, and Andrew Simpsons (I, Robot) will be the wolf wrangler.
Kaukomaa said, "It's really exciting to get all this international talent to work alongside with Aj and our Finnish team. Their participation will definitely broaden the international appeal for the film"
When describing what audiences should expect, director Aj Annila, best known for his genre defying horror film Sauna, said, "I...
Aj Annila's werewolf inversion "Human" adds Canadian Bite
Tero Kaukomaa, of Helsinki prod co Blind Spot Pictures today announced that Aj Annila's latest project, a werewolf inversion picture called Human, has added several Canadian partners to the project.
Dean English and Karen Powell of Vancouver's Perfect Circle will co-produce, Doug Taylor (Splice) will co-write the screenplay, and Andrew Simpsons (I, Robot) will be the wolf wrangler.
Kaukomaa said, "It's really exciting to get all this international talent to work alongside with Aj and our Finnish team. Their participation will definitely broaden the international appeal for the film"
When describing what audiences should expect, director Aj Annila, best known for his genre defying horror film Sauna, said, "I...
- 2/14/2010
- Screen Anarchy
One important lesson I have learned over my years running Twitch is that when a film maker you like and respect feels the need to direct you to another film maker that you've never heard of, you'd best pay attention. And when a film maker you like and respect tells you a particular director is one of their favorites, then you'd really better pay attention. Which leads me to Aleksi Salmenperäand his new film Paha Perhe or Bad Family. Look on the left of that still. See that man? That's Ville Virtanen, one of the leads in Aj Annila's Sauna. And, yes, it was Annila who dropped the 'favorite' word and sent me to this one. Here's the official synopsis from the Finnish Film Institute:
Followed by an ugly divorce the father has been bringing up the son by himself while the mother has had the custody of the daughter.
Followed by an ugly divorce the father has been bringing up the son by himself while the mother has had the custody of the daughter.
- 11/26/2009
- Screen Anarchy
Are you ready for a massive list of must-view DVD titles from the last two weeks? Good, let's go!
F. Javier Gutiérrez's apocalyptic Before the Fall (amazon), about a small town in the south of Spain that finds out they have 72 hours before a meteorite destroys the earth. Our Cali correspondent Hal got a chance to see the film and called it a "good exploration of how much we should protect innocence," and I can't wait to finally check it out.
Another film that's been around for a while, but is only now hitting DVD is Dead Air (amazon). About a douchey radio dj who has to deal with a virus outbreak, the film sounds a lot like Pontypool, but I imagine it is far more literal minded.
On the TV front we've got a couple sets worth looking at. The bloody, bestselling Afro Samurai: Complete Murder Sessions...
F. Javier Gutiérrez's apocalyptic Before the Fall (amazon), about a small town in the south of Spain that finds out they have 72 hours before a meteorite destroys the earth. Our Cali correspondent Hal got a chance to see the film and called it a "good exploration of how much we should protect innocence," and I can't wait to finally check it out.
Another film that's been around for a while, but is only now hitting DVD is Dead Air (amazon). About a douchey radio dj who has to deal with a virus outbreak, the film sounds a lot like Pontypool, but I imagine it is far more literal minded.
On the TV front we've got a couple sets worth looking at. The bloody, bestselling Afro Samurai: Complete Murder Sessions...
- 11/3/2009
- QuietEarth.us
I had never really thought about it, but maybe the world does need a good medieval horror film. The unrepentantly brutal and superstitious nature of the era would seem to lend itself to something pretty burly, and the longstanding cult appeal of Army of Darkness would seem to indicate that the popular interest is there. Evidently, the producers of Sauna agreed, and in making this picture, laid the groundwork for that film, for which we should be eternally grateful. It’s not that Sauna isn’t good and spooky, because it is; it simply has the same reasonable amount of clumsiness that one could expect of any filmmaker feeling out an idea. It’s simply more noticeable because you get the distinct feeling that they’re on to something.
In the aftermath of the war between Russia and Sweden (something I was unaware had even happened), brothers Knut (Tommi Eronen...
In the aftermath of the war between Russia and Sweden (something I was unaware had even happened), brothers Knut (Tommi Eronen...
- 10/30/2009
- by Anders Nelson
- JustPressPlay.net
Chicago – Many editions of the DVD Round-Up have featured a different genre and focus for each title within it. This week seems a little more thematically linked as we have a trio of foreign horror films and a few more independent films than usual. Of course, there has to a holiday comedy to spice things up.
Consider this column informational with synopsis, tech specs, and special features info for titles that might go otherwise unnoticed, but if you’re looking for more critical opinion, we covered “Sauna” when it played at the EU Film Fest, “Medicine For Melancholy” when it was available on IFC Direct, and “Nothing Like the Holidays” when it played in theaters.
“P” and “The Tournament” were released on October 20th, 2009
“The Butcher,” “Medicine For Melancholy,” “Nothing Like the Holidays,” and “Sauna” were released on October 27th, 2009
“Nothing Like the Holidays”
Photo credit: Anchor Bay
Synopsis: “John Leguizamo (Ice Age,...
Consider this column informational with synopsis, tech specs, and special features info for titles that might go otherwise unnoticed, but if you’re looking for more critical opinion, we covered “Sauna” when it played at the EU Film Fest, “Medicine For Melancholy” when it was available on IFC Direct, and “Nothing Like the Holidays” when it played in theaters.
“P” and “The Tournament” were released on October 20th, 2009
“The Butcher,” “Medicine For Melancholy,” “Nothing Like the Holidays,” and “Sauna” were released on October 27th, 2009
“Nothing Like the Holidays”
Photo credit: Anchor Bay
Synopsis: “John Leguizamo (Ice Age,...
- 10/30/2009
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Lionsgate Home Entertainment sent Fango the cover art (see it below) for its DVD of Train, which we initially reported on here. Starring Thora Birch (pictured) and written/directed by Gideon Raff, the movie, in which a college wrestling team is butchered while traveling on an Eastern European train, arrives November 17. See our Raff interview in Fango #288, on sale in October.
IFC Films and Mpi Home Video sent along info and covers for a quartet of genre titles they’re jointly releasing in October. Streeting Oct. 13 are The Objective, the paranormal thriller centering on a group of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, directed and co-written by The Blair Witch Project’s Daniel Myrick (see our review here), and Left Bank, an acclaimed occult chiller by Belgian director Pieter Van Hees about a young woman encountering frightening phenomena after moving into her boyfriend’s apartment. Coming Oct. 27 are Sauna, a Finnish...
IFC Films and Mpi Home Video sent along info and covers for a quartet of genre titles they’re jointly releasing in October. Streeting Oct. 13 are The Objective, the paranormal thriller centering on a group of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, directed and co-written by The Blair Witch Project’s Daniel Myrick (see our review here), and Left Bank, an acclaimed occult chiller by Belgian director Pieter Van Hees about a young woman encountering frightening phenomena after moving into her boyfriend’s apartment. Coming Oct. 27 are Sauna, a Finnish...
- 8/25/2009
- by no-reply@fangoria.com (Michael Gingold)
- Fangoria
• Fango got the scoop on the DVD dates for several horror films coming from IFC Films in the next several months. All of these titles either have played or can be seen now via video-on-demand, and they’ll be Blockbuster exclusives before being made available for general retail sales.
The animation omnibus Fear(S) Of The Dark and Christopher Denham’s disturbing family study Home Movie are already in Blockbuster stores, and will hit retail in October. A bunch more have Blockbuster berths only, with no retail slots determined yet: Bruce McDonald’s Pontypool, which just joined the on-demand lineup and opened theatrically in New York today (see review here), hits October 13; Antti-Jussi Annila’s Sauna is coming June 23; Daniel Myrick’s The Objective has been moved from its previous Blockbuster date of July 28 to July 14; Duane Graves and Justin Meeks’ The Wild Man Of The Navidad attacks in August...
The animation omnibus Fear(S) Of The Dark and Christopher Denham’s disturbing family study Home Movie are already in Blockbuster stores, and will hit retail in October. A bunch more have Blockbuster berths only, with no retail slots determined yet: Bruce McDonald’s Pontypool, which just joined the on-demand lineup and opened theatrically in New York today (see review here), hits October 13; Antti-Jussi Annila’s Sauna is coming June 23; Daniel Myrick’s The Objective has been moved from its previous Blockbuster date of July 28 to July 14; Duane Graves and Justin Meeks’ The Wild Man Of The Navidad attacks in August...
- 5/29/2009
- by no-reply@fangoria.com (Michael Gingold)
- Fangoria
Year: 2008
Directors: Aj Annila
Writers: Iiro Küttner
IMDb: link
Trailer: link
Review by: projectcyclops
Rating: 5 out of 10
Antti-Jussi Annila’s ‘Sauna’ is the story of two brothers working to carry out The Treaty of Teusina in 1595 at the end of the Russo-Swedish war, revising the border in Russian territory as part of a border-recognition treaty detachment. Cavalry Master Eerik has lived through the war since the beginning and is hard-bitten and extremely ruthless to the point of actually being psychotic, and obsessed with the number 73, for that is his body-count. His younger brother Knut has led a comparatively sheltered life, studying to become a geography teacher back in Stockholm, Sweden. The brothers are joined by their Russian counterparts, the straightforward Captain Semenski, Musko and homosexual Ivan, who’s got his eye on Knut...
The film starts slowly and basically continues as such, early on Eerik and Knut arrive at a...
Directors: Aj Annila
Writers: Iiro Küttner
IMDb: link
Trailer: link
Review by: projectcyclops
Rating: 5 out of 10
Antti-Jussi Annila’s ‘Sauna’ is the story of two brothers working to carry out The Treaty of Teusina in 1595 at the end of the Russo-Swedish war, revising the border in Russian territory as part of a border-recognition treaty detachment. Cavalry Master Eerik has lived through the war since the beginning and is hard-bitten and extremely ruthless to the point of actually being psychotic, and obsessed with the number 73, for that is his body-count. His younger brother Knut has led a comparatively sheltered life, studying to become a geography teacher back in Stockholm, Sweden. The brothers are joined by their Russian counterparts, the straightforward Captain Semenski, Musko and homosexual Ivan, who’s got his eye on Knut...
The film starts slowly and basically continues as such, early on Eerik and Knut arrive at a...
- 5/4/2009
- QuietEarth.us
The trailer for IFC Entertainment's latest horror V.O.D. offering Sauna hit the Net today, so you know we've got a look at it for ya! We're good like that!
Directed by Antti-Jussi Annila, Sauna is playing right now on IFC Festival Direct, video-on-demand.
Official Synopsis:
"Year 1595 - the long and brutal war is finally over. Brothers Knut and Erik - who are part of the commission marking the border between Finland and Russia - commit a terrible sin as they leave a young girl to die a horrible death. As the commission crosses the uncharted swamp, the girl returns to haunt them, her face pouring endless filth.
Weary men find solace from the nameless village and find a sauna - the sauna where all sins are washed away. Seeking forgiveness, the brothers step in..."
Sauna - Trailer
Uploaded by dreadcentral
- Uncle Creepy
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
Got news?...
Directed by Antti-Jussi Annila, Sauna is playing right now on IFC Festival Direct, video-on-demand.
Official Synopsis:
"Year 1595 - the long and brutal war is finally over. Brothers Knut and Erik - who are part of the commission marking the border between Finland and Russia - commit a terrible sin as they leave a young girl to die a horrible death. As the commission crosses the uncharted swamp, the girl returns to haunt them, her face pouring endless filth.
Weary men find solace from the nameless village and find a sauna - the sauna where all sins are washed away. Seeking forgiveness, the brothers step in..."
Sauna - Trailer
Uploaded by dreadcentral
- Uncle Creepy
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
Got news?...
- 3/27/2009
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Chicago – The final week of the 12th Annual EU Film Festival at the Siskel Film Center perfectly illustrates the main strength of this festival - amazing diversity. From what we had time to see of the final stretch of films, the four highlights couldn’t be more diverse, featuring movies from four different countries with four completely different tones and styles.
The highlights of the first three weeks of EU included a coming-of-age drama from Ireland (“Kisses”), a sexy romantic comedy from France (“The Girl From Monaco”), an amazing Danish drama (“Worlds Apart”), and a very interesting horror film from Belgium (“Left Bank”). Read more here, here, and here)
The final week takes us back to two of those countries - Belgium and France - and also features a fascinating Finnish shocker before closing with a gentle and sweet film from Sweden. Overall, it’s been a fantastic festival for...
The highlights of the first three weeks of EU included a coming-of-age drama from Ireland (“Kisses”), a sexy romantic comedy from France (“The Girl From Monaco”), an amazing Danish drama (“Worlds Apart”), and a very interesting horror film from Belgium (“Left Bank”). Read more here, here, and here)
The final week takes us back to two of those countries - Belgium and France - and also features a fascinating Finnish shocker before closing with a gentle and sweet film from Sweden. Overall, it’s been a fantastic festival for...
- 3/25/2009
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Fangoria and IFC Films are pleased to debut the new trailer for Sauna, a cruel and beautiful horror film bathing in the Finnish sauna culture, in the no-zone between Christianity and paganism. The film will premiere tomorrow on IFC Festival Direct, video-on-demand.
Year 1595 - the long and brutal war is finally over. Brothers Knut and Erik - who are part of the commission marking the border between Finland and Russia - commit a terrible sin as they leave a young girl to die a horrible death. As the commission crosses the uncharted swamp the girl returns to haunt them, her face pouring endless filth.
Weary men find solace from the nameless village and find a sauna - the sauna where all sins are washed away. Seeking forgiveness the brothers step in...
A Note From The Director:
I never wanted to do a horror film. I do like watching them, though; that cathartic experience,...
Year 1595 - the long and brutal war is finally over. Brothers Knut and Erik - who are part of the commission marking the border between Finland and Russia - commit a terrible sin as they leave a young girl to die a horrible death. As the commission crosses the uncharted swamp the girl returns to haunt them, her face pouring endless filth.
Weary men find solace from the nameless village and find a sauna - the sauna where all sins are washed away. Seeking forgiveness the brothers step in...
A Note From The Director:
I never wanted to do a horror film. I do like watching them, though; that cathartic experience,...
- 3/24/2009
- Fangoria
[**Updated** Fully acknowledging the technical merits of Sauna, the Annual Finish Film Awards, the Jussi’s have were handed out yesterday and Sauna collected a handful of technical nods: Sound Design, Costume Design, Art Direction. While the film is undoubtedly handsome, it is also a very richly textured beast. So is this just another reason to bump the film back up onto the front page? If it means people will discover this little gem, then, well, uh, yes.]
With the Oscars being more than a little bit of a write-off this year, it is time to look to a film industry that nominates a little more challenging and unusual cinema. Regular reader Niko Jutila passes along that Antti-Jussi Annila‘s Sauna, despite having a dismal commercial run it is native country, is the 2nd most nominated film by their local film industry - garnering Jussi nods across the board in the acting and production design categories (although not in picture or director). The Jussi’s have been awarded to Finnish filmmakers excelling at their craft since 1944. One of the best horror films of 2008, (along with Let The Right One In, Vinyan, Blindness, Pontypool, Funny Games, The Strangers and The Ruins, which pretty much rounds out my personal favourites) Sauna is an interesting fusion of European sensibilities, J-Horror visuals and good old fashioned Edgar Allen Poe malaise that somehow...
With the Oscars being more than a little bit of a write-off this year, it is time to look to a film industry that nominates a little more challenging and unusual cinema. Regular reader Niko Jutila passes along that Antti-Jussi Annila‘s Sauna, despite having a dismal commercial run it is native country, is the 2nd most nominated film by their local film industry - garnering Jussi nods across the board in the acting and production design categories (although not in picture or director). The Jussi’s have been awarded to Finnish filmmakers excelling at their craft since 1944. One of the best horror films of 2008, (along with Let The Right One In, Vinyan, Blindness, Pontypool, Funny Games, The Strangers and The Ruins, which pretty much rounds out my personal favourites) Sauna is an interesting fusion of European sensibilities, J-Horror visuals and good old fashioned Edgar Allen Poe malaise that somehow...
- 2/2/2009
- by Kurt Halfyard
- Screen Anarchy
There are a few of us in these parts that are big, Big fans of Antti-Jussi Annila‘s period horror, Sauna. Despite some real indifference in Annila’s native country of Finland (for a sad story, read this), IFC picked it up for distribution shortly after it premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. They are finally releasing the film as Video on Demand on March 25th. Do yourself a favour, turn the lights down, and watch this great horror picture.
- 1/21/2009
- by Kurt Halfyard
- Screen Anarchy
Beginning October 2, the Sitges Festival Internacional de Catalunya 2008 was a sun-drenched 10-day fiesta teeming with talent and terror. Every major genre movie of current note was on show in the picturesque Spanish resort town’s veteran festival, which surprised organizers Angel Sala and Mike Hostench by equaling last year’s record-breaking figures—especially as this 41st edition took place against the gloomiest of economic backdrops.
But as Sala pointed out in his speech at the closing awards ceremony, people need to escape to fantasy/horror cinema more than ever in such trying times. And Sitges certainly put the credit-crunch blues on hold for anyone attending the numerous gala events. Like the two Surprise Movies: Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea, genius animator Hayao Miyazaki’s delightful reworking of the “Little Mermaid” fairy tale, and Michael Doughtery’s nice and nasty Trick ’R Treat (pictured above). The latter was a...
But as Sala pointed out in his speech at the closing awards ceremony, people need to escape to fantasy/horror cinema more than ever in such trying times. And Sitges certainly put the credit-crunch blues on hold for anyone attending the numerous gala events. Like the two Surprise Movies: Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea, genius animator Hayao Miyazaki’s delightful reworking of the “Little Mermaid” fairy tale, and Michael Doughtery’s nice and nasty Trick ’R Treat (pictured above). The latter was a...
- 11/4/2008
- Fangoria
A.J. Annila’s horror film Sauna has been one of our conversation pieces around these parts. We have been talking about it a long time and a lot of us finally got to see it in September at Tiff and Fantastic Fest. Most of us liked it. Some did not. But that is not as important as the news that IFC Entertainment has picked up the U.S. rights for VOD and DVD sales for this Finnish supernatural thriller.
When more details surface we’ll keep you in the know.
When more details surface we’ll keep you in the know.
- 10/9/2008
- by Mack
- Screen Anarchy
Though it’s one of those films that sounds exceedingly difficult to describe without having seen it, which I have not, that still hasn’t stopped Aj Annila’s Sauna from getting buzz all over the festival world. Today that buzz has culminated in the Variety announcement that IFC Entertainment has acquired the rights to Sauna for the U.S.
The trade reports that their only plan right now is to release the Finnish tale of sins and redemption as part of their IFC Festival Direct on-demand platform, but chances are a DVD release, at the very least, will follow soon after.
Sauna is set in the 1500’s and finds two brothers, one full of rage and one a quiet scholar, who are tasked with representing Finland in a meeting with Russia to draw up new borders both sides can agree on at the conclusion of a lengthy war. After...
The trade reports that their only plan right now is to release the Finnish tale of sins and redemption as part of their IFC Festival Direct on-demand platform, but chances are a DVD release, at the very least, will follow soon after.
Sauna is set in the 1500’s and finds two brothers, one full of rage and one a quiet scholar, who are tasked with representing Finland in a meeting with Russia to draw up new borders both sides can agree on at the conclusion of a lengthy war. After...
- 10/9/2008
- by Johnny Butane
- DreadCentral.com
I was very excited to see Sauna. After having seen so much great looking trailers and promotional reels for AJ Annila’s follow up to his Finnish martial arts lick The Jade Warrior I was eager to see it. Sauna tells the tale of two brothers, Finnish by birth and living in Sweden, who join the commission to redraw and map the border between Russia and Sweden, a border torn apart by years of war. One of the brothers, Eerik, is hardened by those years of war the other, Knut, is more gentle, learned and honorable. One night while searching for provisions for their trip Eerik succumbs to his blood lust while the Knut, faced with sexual temptation when he is alone with daughter of the man his brother is bludgeoning to death. Aware of this temptation he locks her in the cellar. Eerik says they will return once the...
- 9/22/2008
- by Mack
- Screen Anarchy
We are big fans and supporters of Finland’s Aj Annila in these parts, impressed by his stellar work behind the camera and sucked in by his odd hybrids of arthouse and genre sensibilities. Yesterday I had the chance to sit down with Annila and fire a few questions his way about the making of the film, the impetus behind it and even a thing or two about what he’s up to next. Hit the link below to download the full interview in MP3 format.
- 9/8/2008
- by Todd Brown
- Screen Anarchy
[This review originally appeared as part of my ongoing Tiff coverage at Showcase. Thanks to the Goat-Boy for allowing us to reprint it here.]
Where to even begin with Aj Annila’s Sauna? A film that raises more questions than it answers, that raises more issues than it resolves, Sauna is a major thinkpiece on the nature of sin and guilt and how both can simply swallow you whole. Impeccably crafted – as you’d expect from the director of the visually stunning Jade Warrior – it once again showcases Annila’s tendency to straddle the line between arthouse and straight up genre film, an approach that many in the hardcore horror set will find immensely frustrating but will delight those who prefer their scares to be of the more thoughtful and atmospheric variety.
Where to even begin with Aj Annila’s Sauna? A film that raises more questions than it answers, that raises more issues than it resolves, Sauna is a major thinkpiece on the nature of sin and guilt and how both can simply swallow you whole. Impeccably crafted – as you’d expect from the director of the visually stunning Jade Warrior – it once again showcases Annila’s tendency to straddle the line between arthouse and straight up genre film, an approach that many in the hardcore horror set will find immensely frustrating but will delight those who prefer their scares to be of the more thoughtful and atmospheric variety.
- 9/7/2008
- by Todd Brown
- Screen Anarchy
One of the great joys of attending a film festival is that every so often you get to see a movie that comes out of nowhere and blows all other movies out of the water. Sauna for me is one of those movies. I had almost no expectations going in. I still have not seen Antti-Jussi Annila's first movie, Jade Warrior and I never got around to watching the trailer. All I was going with was the writeup on the Tiff site. I have to say this right now, Sauna is one of my favorite movies of the year and is will be in my list of top horror movies for a long time. It is not some simple slasher horror flick but is in fact a challenging thinking person's horror movie.
Sauna opens up to a brutal murder being performed by Finnish soldier Eerik Spore and being witnessed by his cartographer brother Knut.
Sauna opens up to a brutal murder being performed by Finnish soldier Eerik Spore and being witnessed by his cartographer brother Knut.
- 9/6/2008
- QuietEarth.us
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