Distribution deals on For The Living And The Dead
by Annika Pham
Kari Paljakka’s drama For The Living And The Dead (Eläville ja kuolleille) which screened in the Panorama section at the last Berlinale has been picked up for theatrical distribution in Sweden, Japan and the US, and negotiations are underway with France, Spain and the Benelux according to sales agent Bavaria Film International.
The film produced by Ilkka Mertsola for Aki Kaurismäki’s production company Sputnik Oy is based on true events that took place on the West coast of Finland in 1986. It portrays a family ability to survive and go on with their life after the accidental death of their youngest son. The director who got the idea of the film when watching a TV interview with the real couple who spoke about the tragedy, wrote the script in close co-operation with them. In the lead roles are Hannu-Pekka Björkmann, Katja Kukkola and Mari Rantasila. The film was released in Finland by Sandrew Metronome Distribution on 18 February. After Berlin, it will continue its round of festivals with London, Seattle and Alba (Italy) among others.
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