Paradise is Burning Paradiset Brinner
Synopsis
In a working-class Swedish neighborhood, 16-year-old Laura cares for her two younger sisters, left on their own by an absent mother. For the trio and their friends, summer is wild, indulgent, and anarchic, full of ritual and mischief. But when social services schedules a meeting with their mother — who is nowhere to be found — Laura must find someone to step in or the girls risk being separated in foster care. Keeping the impending threat a secret from her sisters creates a palpable tension and conflict, sending each of them on an individual journey of discovery and connection. As the meeting with social services draws nearer, the boundaries of the girls’ radical freedom are tested by the harsh realities of growing up.
Echoing the chaotic freedom of films like The Florida Project, Mika Gustafson’s striking fiction debut is as bold as it is tender, a refreshingly forthright coming-of-age story and an intimate portrait of sisterhood.
Screenings & Events
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Media
Film Credits
- Nima Yousefi, Marco Valerio Fusco, Micaela Fusco, Maria Stevnbak Westergren, Venla Hellstedt, Jenni Jauri
- Mika Gustafson, Alex Öhrstrand
- Anders Skov
- Sine Vadstrup Brooker
- Bianca Delbravo, Dilvin Asaad, Safira Mossberg, Ida Engvoll, Mitja Siren
- Giorgio Giampà
- Hobab, Intramovies, Toolbox Films, Tuffi Films
- https://www.intramovies.com/production/paradise-is-burning/
Sponsors
International Competition Program Sponsor
John and Jacolyn Bucksbaum Family Foundation
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Fallen Leaves
Synopsis
One cold night in Helsinki, two strangers meet by chance in a karaoke bar. He is a wayward alcoholic construction worker searching for meaning. She’s a lonely dreamer who spends her days stocking supermarket shelves and fantasizing about a better life. There’s a spark of instant attraction, but a slew of unfortunate everyday obstacles — lost phone numbers, missed meetings, and the fact that they don’t know each other’s names — makes it seem as if they’ve missed their chance at true love.
A masterpiece of detail and decor, Finnish auteur Aki Kaurismäki imbues this tender, deeply felt romance with wry wit and a light touch. Set against a brooding background of dead-end jobs and looming war, his empathetic protagonists continue to hope for something more. In the words of the director: “It felt like this bloody world needed some love stories now.”
Screenings & Events
Sold Out/Rush Only? Learn when new tickets get released by signing up for our ticket availability email list!
Media
Film Credits
- Aki Kaurismäki, Misha Jaari, Mark Lwoff, Reinhard Brundig
- Aki Kaurismäki
- Samu Heikkilä
- Timo Salminen
- Alma Pöysti, Jussi Vatanen, Janne Hyytiäinen, Nuppu Koivu
- Spitnik Oy, Bufo
Sponsors
International Competition Program Sponsor
John and Jacolyn Bucksbaum Family Foundation
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