Finnish Tekele Productions have revealed the first look of Alexisal Mempera’s expected drama Father’s Day.
Salmenperä is the award-winning director and writer behind “Void”, “Bubble” and “The Mine”, but his eighth feature will be announced at the industry event Finnish Film Incident at the Helsinki Film Festival – “it’s different from previous films,” he emphasized.
“When it comes to the reactions of those who saw it, they seem to be more emotional. Of course, that’s a great feeling! Because amateurs make up 60% of the main cast.”
He added: “I really tried to keep the plot easier than ever and forget about the rulebook. When I wrote, I kept reminding myself of reality. I avoided the temptation of imagination, and then I followed that path.”
In the film, which is scheduled to premiere in the spring, a teenage twin girl finally decides to find her father. They have never met him and their mother (Laura Byrne) remains motherhood on the subject, but their investigation leads them to alcoholic Tinke (Tomi Lindforth) and his only friend, Veiko (Tomi Kolpera).
“What makes this film special is Tomi Lindforth. He’s a man with a tragic past,” Salmempera said of his lead.
“He has been drinking for 40 years and has lost all his loved ones. He is in a physical state. He cannot hide, but he is cheerful, positive and polite.
Lindfors “basically playing himself in the film,” Salmenperä admitted “all his troubles and wounds.”
Famous actor Tomi Kolpera, a friend of Tomi’s childhood friend, introduced her while filming “Void.”
“Tomi played a small role in that film and was impressed by his presence in front of the camera. I was fortunate enough to really want Tomi to play the role, as the whole concept of “Father’s Day” was based on their friendship. The script was written around him.
“Before filming he asked me if it was okay for him to feel a bit compassionate about his character. I said: “It’s fine, but don’t let the camera see it.”
According to producer Miia Haavisto, Salmenperä brings to his director, “It’s dare to see humor in a somewhat harsh reality,” making him feel “raw, authentic, moving.”
“I am particularly proud that ‘Father’s Day’ is an original story set for today. Especially given the unusualness of such stories in recent years,” she says, calling them “a unique yet logical chapter of his artwork.”
“I hope the film shows just how frail and lost we are all, but rather than surrender to it, it embraces the reality and solidarity that still exists there.”
Founded in 2017 and owned by Haavisto, Marja Pihlaja and Julia Elomäki, Tekele Productions is also working on “Máttáráhká” by Suvi West, titled “Máttáráhká”.
The Helsinki-based company has acquired 20% of the vulnerable ego films that are developing the thriller series “Octopus,” led by producer and CEO Johan-Sebastian Rintala and written by Emmi-Liia Sjöholm.
“I’m excited to continue making comedy for vulnerable ego films and quirky arthouse projects. Now I’m supported by Tekele Productions. I really enjoy working with Tekele. I’m even more excited to build on that collaboration in this new chapter for my company” to navigate better in the industry and create better projects. ”
“Father’s Day”
Sami Kuokkanen / Tekele Productions
