Awards to Finnish films and projects from Tallinn
Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival came to an end last weekend.
Photo: Erlend Štaub / Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival
Actors Pirjo Lonka and Elina Knihtilä received the award for best actress for their roles as sisters in 100 Litres of Gold, by Teemu Nikki. The jury statement said that the two “take us into a bitter reality, but in a very natural way, never overacting, never giving us the impression that they were playing a role. Their performances look simple without ever being simplistic.”
The Just Film Toddlers’ Jury Best Film Award went to Niko – Beyond the Northern Lights, an animated feature by Kari Juusonen and co-director Jørgen Lerdam. The jury comment reads: “This film taught us about friendship, kindness, teamwork, and the importance of always being there to help your friends!”
Finnish projects also received two major industry awards.
European Genre Forum named The Dark Architect the most promising project. The award, worth 25,000 euros, consists of a LED stage rental and a pre-lighting day. The horror film is directed by Risto Tuominen and produced by Ilkka Matila for MRP Matila Röhr Productions. Finnish Film Foundation has supported the development of the project.
TV Beats Co-Financing Market gave The Women I Think About at Night a 50,000-euro most promising project award. The drama series is produced by Liisa Karpo and Marianne Mäkelä for napafilms. Anna Ruohonen is the scriptwriter, with Saara Cantell and Anu Kuivalainen attached as directors.