SCA25: Long Good Thursday

Australian premiere

Mielensäpahoittajan rakkaustarina

From director Mika Kaurismäki (The Grump: In Search of an Escort, The Girl King) this fourth installment in The Grump series, based on the novel by Tuomas Kyrö, is set during a lush Finnish summer and follows aging, laconic farmer The Grump (Heikki Kinnunen).

One day, while out grocery shopping, The Grump’s attention is captured by an irresistibly attractive scent - a mixture of chainsaw oil, pine bark and sawdust. The scent belongs to the free spirit of artist Saimi (Jaana Saarinen), who upon meeting him, is intent on using him as a model for her photography. To his surprise, The Grump is drawn to Saimi and cannot help enjoying her company. The words, gaze and touch of another person awaken long-lost feelings and shake away the loneliness of the long-term widower.

His sons are skeptical of the new friendship and do not trust Saimi’s intentions, wondering if she is after their inheritance. Family meetings, misunderstandings, swimming in the moonlight and sleepless nights ensue, in this heartfelt and entertaining comedy imbued with deadpan humour.

Festivals & Awards

WINNER | Audience Choice Award: Best International Feature, Chicago International Film Festival 2024
OFFICIAL SELECTION | Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival 2024
OFFICIAL SELECTION | Lübeck Nordic Film Days 2024