Oscar Nominee Selma Vilhunen to Stage Biggest Pic Ever, “She Did Not Show Remorse,” for Dionysos, Nordisk Film (EXCLUSIVE)

As a passionate advocate for women’s stories and a firm believer in the power of cinema to challenge societal norms, I am absolutely thrilled about Selma Vilhunen‘s upcoming epic, “She Did Not Show Remorse.” Her life experiences, particularly her deep dives into the taboo topic of Finnish women who collaborated with the Germans during WWII, have undoubtedly shaped this enraged yet poignant exploration of female shame culture in patriarchal societies.

As a follower, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable storytelling journey of Finnish filmmaker Selma Vilhunen. Through her fiction and non-fiction works, she has given voice to women across various age groups. From the Oscar-nominated short “Do I Have to Take Care of Everything” to the Berlin Crystal Bear winner “Stupid Young Heart,” and now her latest work, “Four Little Adults,” where Alma Pöysti won best acting at Göteborg. It’s awe-inspiring to be part of such powerful narratives.

In her upcoming artwork titled “She Did Not Show Remorse,” she plans to create her most grandiose and complex piece yet, which will serve as a passionate critique of the culture of female shame in patriarchal societies.

Finnish filmmakers Vilhunen and Venla Hellstedt from Dionysos Films, have shared exclusive details about the plot and the initial visuals with EbMaster, prior to their pitch at Haugesund’s Nordic Co-Production Market on Aug. 21.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I recently delved into the captivating world of period drama with Vilhunen’s debut, which breathes life into Tommi Kinnunen’s acclaimed novel “Ei kertonut katuvansa” (or “Defiance” in English). This riveting tale is a testament to real-life events that have been brilliantly woven together.

The narrative revolves around five Finnish women who manage to break free from imprisonment after serving in the Nazi army in Norway towards the end of World War II. On a difficult trek across the frigid arctic wilderness on foot, they discover that while Finland as a whole had collaborated with the Nazis, only specific women are now viewed as traitors, according to the summary.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d put myself in the shoes of Irene, a woman who found herself in a predicament after being away for months without an explanation for my husband. Upon returning home, the weight of maintaining the façade became too much, and I decided to abandon all attempts at deception, choosing instead to leave my troubled marriage behind forever. Instead, I opted for a life on the move, embracing the freedom that came with it.

To EbMaster, as a passionate movie enthusiast, I expressed my captivation by Kinnunen’s raw and sometimes unforgiving novel. I highlighted that the female characters in this story are tragically confined to making poor choices. Reflecting on my past projects, I’ve typically emphasized themes of camaraderie, empathy, and affection. However, with this film, I feel compelled to confront and portray the simmering rage and despair that resonates in our world today. The oppressive forces seeking to constrict women’s spaces in society are as strong now as they’ve ever been.

“Reflecting on my own life journey, I can’t help but feel compelled to share my thoughts about what it feels like to be a human when one is constantly being gaslit by society. It’s a pervasive and disheartening experience that leaves you questioning your worth and capabilities. The whispers of inferiority and guilt become an echo in the back of your mind, making it difficult to trust yourself or believe in your own strength. Society seems determined to make you feel like you’re never enough, as if you’re perpetually striving for something that remains just out of reach. It’s a never-ending battle against an unseen enemy, and the weight of it can be suffocating at times. But I choose to rise above and hold onto hope, knowing that I am more than what society tries to make me believe.”

The researcher in question has devoted numerous years to exploring a controversial theme: the significant number of Finnish women who continued working for the Germans during World War II, long after the semi-formal Finnish-German alliance had ceased to exist. Vilhunen, who conversed with historians in Norway and Finland and perused countless historical records, expressed shock at the sexist nature of the source material.

“Despite Finland being an ally of Germany during the war, and German soldiers residing and fighting there for three years, it was only Finnish women who faced accusations of treason if found to have had contact with the Germans after Germany became an enemy. The men who fought in the war are celebrated for their bravery and camaraderie, but women, if they were associated with the Germans, were looked down upon.”

For Vilhunen, the allure of overseeing a demanding masterpiece was yet another compelling motivation. In her late twenties, she had already traversed over 1,500 kilometers from Finland to Norway on a different pathway.

As I embark on this cinematic journey, I cannot stress enough the importance of immersing ourselves in the narrative through the raw, untamed beauty of the Lappish wilderness. While the production promises to be arduous, the rewards are immense. The natural world, with its ever-changing landscapes and elements, will undoubtedly provide us with a wealth of inspiration. Our task is to not only capture this breathtaking canvas but also to seamlessly integrate ourselves within it, adapting to nature’s whims as we go along.

Vilhunen shared that the “truly remarkable actors” will be revealed when production begins in May 2025.

The €3 million ($3.2 million) project is currently being jointly produced by Nordisk film (both Norway and Denmark), Rein Film, and Filmcamp in Norway. So far, it has received support from the Finnish Film Foundation, Creative Europe Media, the Lapland Film Commission, and Kuusamo Council. Nordisk Film is responsible for managing the Scandinavian rights for this project.

In Haugesund, our focus for the project primarily lies in securing distribution channels, seeking additional funding, and capturing festival recognition. We’re always eager to learn about the audience’s response to our narrative, as shared by Hellstedt.

“One of the 22 thoughtfully chosen works, ‘She Did Not Show Remorse,’ is set to be exhibited at the 19th Nordic Co-Production Market, an event under the New Nordic Films market in Haugesund (Aug. 20-23).”

2024-08-09 11:47

Oscar Nominee Selma Vilhunen to Stage Biggest Pic Ever, “She Did Not Show Remorse,” for Dionysos, Nordisk Film (EXCLUSIVE)

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