Unknown Soldier Director Aku Louhimies is making Finland’s First Carbon Neutral Film. The Covid Proofed Production of Odotus – The Wait will shoot this Summer.
Actor, screenwriter Inka Kallén with director Aku Louhimies. Photo: Laura Malmivaara.
June 15, 2020
Award-winning film director Aku Louhimies is directing and producing an intimate love story set in the secluded Finnish archipelago. The script, inspired by twelve-time Nobel prize nominee Juhani Aho’s classic novel The Vicar’s Wife is by Louhimies and the films lead actress Inka Kallén. Kallén has been a star in Finnish television and film since she was a teenager. The film is her first venture into screenwriting.
The timeless characters from the 1893 novel, and universal themes of love, honesty and longing have been transported to 2020. The events of Odotus – The Wait take place on an isolated island in the Finnish archipelago – the isolation amplified by a pandemic soaring around the world.
Odotus – The Wait is a story about a woman who undergoes an enormous emotional battle between sense and passion. A visitor from the past triggers the events of a compelling love story. Inka Kallén, a top actor in Finland, plays the leading role as Elli.
‘Finnish women have been pioneers in equality, rights and freedom. The story of The Wait isn't political, yet I strongly feel that Elli, my character, holds these qualities at the forefront of her character. She is a strong woman in search for truth in herself and the world around her.
As an actor I have always sought truth in my work. I’m beyond excited to be making this film with Aku Louhimies, one of the best directors I have ever worked with. He has the rare sensitivity and courage to lead the actor to what’s real about their character,’ says Inka Kallén.
While the characters of Odotus portray a sustainable way of living, the entire production will be carbon negative and carried out in an ethical and sustainable manner. The producers are collaborating with Compensate, a Finnish nonprofit combatting climate change, in calculating and compensating the footprint of the production. The shoot is designed with Covid-19 measures in mind and can be carried out under state-of-emergency restrictions without risking the safety of the team.
‘As a director I am interested in exploring the dynamics of longing and love, the inner battles between sense and passion. The story of The Wait is timely and timeless at the same time. Filming in the archipelago is a dream come true for me. The dramatic, yet fragile landscapes stage the emotional struggles perfectly, while paying tribute to our planet. I’m proud to be producing and directing a film that sets an example as a sustainable production,’ says Louhimies.
Odotus – The Wait will open in Finnish cinemas in 2021.
Scandinavian streaming platform C More is the main production partner and will stream the film locally at the end of 2021.
Odotus – The Wait is produced by Andrei Alén, Kaarina Gould, and the film’s director Aku Louhimies for Backmann & Hoderoff. The film is supported by the West Finland Film Commission.
Aku Louhimies is represented in the UK by Lisa Richards Agency and in the US by Gersh and Zero Gravity Management.