‘I Chose the Best’ – EXCLUSIVE

Finnish director Ulla Heikkilä has selected an outstanding cast for her sophomore feature “Summer is Crazy.” The film stars Jussi Vatanen from “Fallen Leaves,” Aamu Milonoff of “Girl Picture,” Jani Volanen from “Hatching,” Pirjo Lonka, and Bruno Baer from “Light Light Light.”

“They brought their general ‘bestness’. It’s simply a luxury to work with such intelligent, skillful and charismatic actors. They are all very good at showing the human condition in a bold and ‘naked’ manner,” Heikkilä shared with Variety.

Set during the Midsummer week in the Finnish archipelago, “Summer is Crazy” explores the ups and downs of one family, their friends, and lovers as they grapple with disappointments while dreaming of a better future.

Following the bankruptcy of their fine-dining restaurant, the Eerola family finds themselves marooned in a seaside village. Under the shadow of the father’s depression, both the mother and the teenage daughter start to rebel against the stagnant life in their own unique ways.

Jussi Vatanen, who became well-known through the “Lapland Odyssey” franchise, plays a father who struggles to connect with his family. “I play a man who doesn’t really know how to be a father, but he loves being a dad. If you try to be a role model to someone you don’t know at all, that creates strange, funny, and tragic moments,” he said. He noted that everyone “brought their own flavor to this heartwarming but slightly manic Midsummer fiesta.”

Commenting on the challenge of crafting comedies, Vatanen humorously remarked, “What’s the secret of making comedies? I don’t want to know! I would start exploiting it,” concluding that Heikkilä’s direction perfectly balanced the tone of silliness and authenticity.

Produced by Marja Pihlaja for Tekele Productions, “Summer is Crazy” was presented at Haugesund’s New Nordic Films industry sidebar, alongside Suvi West’s first fiction feature “Máttáráhká,” which is currently in development, produced by Julia Elomäki.

“Tekele had three films in different categories and it has never happened before here at Haugesund,” said Elomäki, also highlighting the market screening of Jenni Toivoniemi’s “Butterflies.”

Heikkilä has a knack for handling large ensembles, evident from her debut feature “Eden.” “I’ve said, jokingly, that I was brought to this earth to tell multi-narrative stories. But maybe it wasn’t a joke after all! Even as a child, I kept drawing pictures of big families and groups of people. I guess I’m interested in the multitude of perspectives as a way of looking at the world, both as an artist and human being. To witness the same situation, or simply look at life through different eyes, is enthralling for me,” she explained.

The film’s setting and occasions such as Midsummer celebrations bring forth various personal struggles and relationships within the ensemble cast. From an affair with a charismatic boss to teenage angst and the loss of life-long dreams, the characters face a range of challenges. “The idyllic scenery provides a great contrast to these unhappy people. Also, traditions, parties, and holidays tend to bring unwanted stuff to the surface,” Heikkilä added.

Despite the characters’ flaws, Heikkilä expressed affection for them, noting the unexpected melancholy in the film. “It’s sad sometimes and that made me really sad, too. I guess that was a challenge, at least on a personal level. Luckily, it’s also funny and hopeful, so I didn’t have to cry myself to sleep every night.”

“Summer is Crazy” is set to premiere in 2025.

Source: Variety