Tell us about your Beatan kevät. Which themes or questions does it address?
Beatan kevät is a magical and realistic narrative film about hairdresser Beata and her daughter Ida. The central theme of the story is breaking free from the burden of the past.
The storytelling of the film consists of truthful, documentary-like depiction that I combine with storytelling that toys with a magical dimension. Combining realism and magic fascinated me already in my earlier work. I feel that Beatan kevät is a natural continuation and at the same time a sort of artistic leap in my work as a film director.
You have previously made documentary films. Why did you want to make a narrative film now? And what interests you most about making films?
I have always watched more fictional than documentary films, and I think it is evident in my earlier work with feature documentaries. They have many elements that are not purely documentary. I completed my degree in directing fictional films at Aalto University, but thus far, the subject matter of my films has been such that it has lent itself better to making documentary films. At the same time, my desktop and mind have been filled with ideas for fictional films, as well. Beatan kevät is the first of these ideas that is now really moving forward.
I enjoy directing both fictional and documentary films immensely, and my aim is to continue to do both, always in harmony with the theme. I am often intrigued by stories that examine characters who are outsiders in their own life, rebels of a sort, who are forced to battle their circumstances. This battle may take place at the societal level or in the living environment of the protagonist.
In addition to the story and the themes, the form of the film, or how the story is told, is important to me. It is interesting both from the perspective of the filmmaker and the viewer if the film offers something out of the ordinary or surprising. When both the content and the form are executed beautifully, the medium of film can be used to create experiences and build worlds that other forms of art can only dream of.
Could you describe the importance of cooperation between the producer and the director as part of the artistic process?
I think it is very important that the cooperation between the producer and the director is seamless, open and mutually inspiring. At its best, cooperation means that the producer actively participates in the artistic process and the director has an understanding of aspects related to production.
In an ideal situation, the director and the producer form a working partnership that brings out the best possible work. In this case, the partnership is more than the sum of its parts. Successful cooperation elevates the film to its greatest potential, including artistically.
How would you assess the significance of being selected for the Kehittämö Talent Development Lab for your career or authorship?
Being selected for Kehittämö is very meaningful to me. I am very happy that Beatan kevät was awarded a place in the scheme. Kehittämö offers great resources for the development of the film from both the artistic and production perspective. When you really want to focus on things in depth, it takes time, and that is precisely what Kehittämö allows for me and the producer of the film.
The long-term presence of an international mentor is an invaluable asset to our film. The writing process is well under way, and the film seems to have taken flight in a completely new way. I am looking forward to finding out how far we have come at the end of the programme.
The selection to Kehittämö comes at an opportune time in my career. I am trying to break through to different levels and paths as a director, and I believe that Kehittämö will allow me to develop both the Beatan kevät film and my own authorship as a film director in a meaningful manner.
Interview: Ella Jaakkola
Photo: Riitta Supperi