29/03/2022 - The upcoming feature, based on the bestseller by acclaimed Finnish author and vocalist Terhi Kokkonen, will be directed by actress Pihla Viitala

Director Pihla Viitala (left) and author Terhi Kokkonen (© Pietari Purovaara)

SF Studios has announced the acquisition of film rights to the best-selling novel Arctic Mirage by acclaimed Finnish author and vocalist Terhi Kokkonen. The new project will be helmed by actress Pihla Viitala (the Netflix series Deadwind, Latin Lover [+see also:
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interview: Cristina Comencini
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In detail, the story follows a married couple, Karo and Risto, who go on holiday in Northern Finland to give themselves time to fix their stressful marriage. However, on their way home, they get into a car accident and are subsequently forced to stay at the only accommodation in the area: the luxurious Hotel Arctic Mirage. Once inside, they find that the hotel has a rather strange atmosphere, and it starts to have a peculiar effect on them. Karo begins to doubt her own memories and tries her best to escape the snowbound hotel holiday village, whereas Risto starts to feel strange and refuses to leave. Will their relationship survive the next six days?

“I’m really happy that Rajamaa [Arctic Mirage’s original title in Finnish] is going to be a film. It's nice for a writer that one’s work is adapted into a film, but what makes this project special is that the visionary and talented Pihla Viitala has been chosen as the director,” said Terhi Kokkonen.

“Arctic Mirage is a strong-spirited, psychological novel about people in exceptional circumstances. It keeps the reader gripped and provides chills on every page. We are excited to turn this thrilling novel into a film together with Elokuvayhtiö Komeetta, with the talented Pihla Viitala directing,” added Yaba Holst, head of Nordic Acquisitions at SF Studios.

“I’m more than happy for this opportunity to direct a film adaptation of this extraordinary book written by the great author Terhi Kokkonen. The character-driven story takes us into a unique world, where the border between sanity and insanity is unclear, and time seems to disappear,” concluded Viitala.

Arctic Mirage is being produced by Finnish studio Elokuvayhtiö Komeetta (Compartment No. 6 [+see also:
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interview: Juho Kuosmanen
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interview: Zaida Bergroth
film profile], Kikka!), whilst SF Studios will be in charge of its Nordic and international distribution. The cast and release date are yet to be disclosed.