NewYork, NY—This winter, Scandinavia House will be screening a film series presenting films from a genre in its own right; the iconic Finnish lumberjack films. Created during the 1920s onward, these films boasted heroes that could steer logs through rapids and split trees in half, and showcased Finland’s rich history of the logging tradition as well as its importance in developing a national identity following independence in 1917.

WHEN:
January 23 through February 1, 2019
$12 ($7 ASF Members)

WHERE:
Scandinavia House
58 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10016

THE LUMBERJACKS BRIDE /Koskenlaskijan morsian
WED—JAN 23—7 PM

97 min. Silent, accompanied by live music.

A tragic rafting accident resulted in the drowning of a young caused a rift in a small village, which upheaved marriage prospects for the young man’s sister. A love triangle gets out of hand when murder is considered — what better way to make a murder look like an accident when it takes place during hearty river rafting? Directed by Erkki Karu, a pioneer of Finnish cinema and the founder of its frst production company, Suomi-Filmi. Vito Adriaensens introduces the series prior to the screening.

THE SONG OF THE SCARLET FLOWER /Laulu tulipunaisesta kukasta
FRI—JAN 25—6:30 PM

106 min. In Finnish with English subtitles.

The frst truly Finnish adaptation of Johannes Linnankoski’s iconic novel about a charming woodsman who drifts from one girl to the next. Seen as a historic event, this flm received critical praise for its intense acting performances against beautifully decorated landscapes. The flm was directed by Teuvo Tulio (1938), whose distinctively expressive melodramatic style was influenced by German Expressionism.

TWO OLD LUMBERJACKS /Kaksi vanhaa tukkijätkää
WED—JAN 30—7 PM

85 min. In Finnish with English subtitles.

In this quintessential lumberjack buddy movie, a respected industrialist who is fed up with high society goes to live and work in a logrolling town. But when his daughter follows along, mayhem ensues. Directed by Ossi Elstelä (1954), one of the most prolifc Finnish comedy actors of all time, as well as an accomplished director and art director, helming a dozen flms.

THE DAY THE EARTH FROZE /Sampo
FRI—FEB 1—6:30 PM

67 min. In Finnish with English subtitles.

Loosely based on the Kalevala, Finland’s national epic poem, this genre-bending flm follows a witch who steals the sun in order to spite a community of peaceful loggers who refuse to build her a magic mill. In addition to beautifully colored cinematography, the flm features trolls, swans, and sorcery. Directed by Aleksandr Ptushko (1959)

THE AMERICAN-SCANDINAVIAN FOUNDATION
The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) promotes frsthand exchange of intellectual and creative influence between the United States and the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. A publicly supported American nonproft 501(c)(3) organization, ASF has an extensive program of fellowships, grants, intern/trainee sponsorship, publishing, and cultural activities. Headquartered in New York City, ASF has members throughout the United States, and alumni and donors worldwide. For more information, visit amscan.org.


CONTACT
For further information, please contact Lori Fredrickson at 212-847-9727 or lori@amscan.org.