A Light That Never Goes Out

After a meltdown, renowned flutist Pauli (Samuel Kujala) retreats to his childhood home in Rauma. Artistically rebellious Iiris (Anna Rosaliina Kauno) lures him into an experimental project. More important than the outcome is the journey into oneself and others, on which everyone needs some company.

Limitations detain Pauli’s growth from a musician into an artist, but one’s own limits are hard to recognise. Iiris on the other hand is a fish of great passion and curiosity swimming in a small pond. Against the film you can reflect on your own conceptions of art and ponder why art is made and who is it made for. From different viewpoints the film also addresses the particular sadness that is caused by what we love most.

On the Visit Rauma website the significance of the filming location becomes crystal clear: “In the film, Rauma is not merely a backdrop—the city’s streets, shores and buildings move with the story, giving it a distinctive rhythm and atmosphere.”

The sound art heard in the film was created collaboratively by the actors and director Lauri-Matti Parppei, and it was recorded live. The film won seven Jussi awards including the awards for Best Film and Best Leading Performance. Kauno, also from Rauma and with an amateur background, was awarded with the Jussi for Best Breakthrough Role.

Alina Tolvanen (translated by Vilja Hynynen)

This film was pitched at the Love & Anarchy industry event Finnish Film Affair before it was completed.