Ulla Heikkilä Readies for ‘Summer Is Crazy,’ Reveals Cast Featuring ‘Fallen Leaves’ Star Jussi Vatanen: ‘I Chose the Best’ (EXCLUSIVE)

As a cinephile, I am utterly captivated by the extraordinary talent and richness of experiences that Finnish director Ulla Heikkilä brings to her films. Her latest project, “Summer is Crazy,” showcases an ensemble cast of exceptional actors who breathe life into her characters with a raw, unfiltered vulnerability that is truly awe-inspiring.


Ulla Heikkilä, a director from Finland, selected the “most talented actors that came to mind” for her second full-length film titled “Summer is Crazy”. This production stars Jussi Vatanen, who was previously seen in “Fallen Leaves”, Aamu Milonoff known for “Girl Picture”, Jani Volanen famous for “Hatching”, Pirjo Lonka and Bruno Baer, both of whom have worked on “Light Light Light”.

She shared that these performers truly excelled, making it a privilege to collaborate with such insightful, talented, and captivating individuals. They have an exceptional ability to portray the human experience in a raw and unguarded way, she said to EbMaster.

During the “Madness of Summer,” taking place amidst the beautiful Finnish archipelago during Midsummer week, a family, along with their companions and romantic interests, navigate through setbacks and envision brighter days ahead.

Following the collapse of their high-end restaurant by the sea, the Eerolas find themselves trapped in a small coastal town. Under the gloom of the father’s despair, both the mother and the adolescent daughter defy their monotonous existence – each expressing their rebellion uniquely.

“Vatanen explained that he portrays a character who may not fully grasp the role of being a father, yet cherishes his role as a dad. He added that trying to serve as a model for someone you’re not familiar with can lead to peculiar, amusing, and poignant situations. Vatanen also emphasized that each cast member contributed their unique touch to this heartfelt yet slightly chaotic Midsummer celebration.”

Before collaborating with Aki Kaurismäki, Vatanen was widely recognized due to the successful “Lapland Odyssey” series.

Ulla Heikkilä Readies for ‘Summer Is Crazy,’ Reveals Cast Featuring ‘Fallen Leaves’ Star Jussi Vatanen: ‘I Chose the Best’ (EXCLUSIVE)

“He chuckled, saying, ‘I’d rather not uncover the trick behind creating comedies! I might end up using it for my own gain instead!'”

“Perhaps there’s a touch of whimsy in this character, as well as others, but Ulla’s portrayal was so authentic that it didn’t seem silly to me. Instead, it felt incredibly real. I appreciated how she skillfully blended the viewpoints of different age groups in a way that was both believable and amusing.”

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I had the pleasure of witnessing two exciting new films being showcased at Haugesund’s New Nordic Films industry sidebar – “Summer is Crazy,” produced by Marja Pihlaja for Tekele Productions, and Suvi West’s first fiction feature, “Máttáráhká.” The latter, currently in development, is being spearheaded by Julia Elomäki.

“Tekele’s unique achievement of having three movies categorized differently was highlighted by Elomäki. He also pointed out the screening of Jenni Toivoniemi’s film, ‘Butterflies,’ on the market,” said Elomäki in a simpler manner.

A larger group often brings more fun, as demonstrated by Heikkilä’s experience with a larger cast in her initial feature film “Eden.”

As a cinephile, I’ve often quipped that my purpose on this planet was to weave intricate tales with multiple narratives. Yet, upon reflection, perhaps there was a grain of truth in that jest! Ever since I was a child, I found myself sketching families of all sizes and crowds of people. It seems my fascination lies in the rich tapestry of viewpoints as both an artist and a global citizen. The thrill of observing the same scene unfold or merely glimpsing life through different lenses is irresistible to me, as I strive to capture these diverse perspectives in my work.

Gearing up for Midsummer festivities – “the picturesque surroundings offer a stark contrast to these troubled individuals. Moreover, traditions, gatherings, and celebrations often unveil hidden struggles.” In this narrative, the characters face various challenges. Ranging from an affair with a captivating supervisor to adolescent turmoil, the shattering of a cherished ambition or even a fleeting music career that concluded two decades ago.

“Despite their occasional irritating aspects, I find myself drawn to them. The movie’s poignant unexpectedness left a profound impact on me.”

Occasionally, it can bring tears to my eyes as well. It seemed to be quite a personal struggle. Fortunately, there were humorous and uplifting moments that prevented me from shedding tears each night.

“Summer is Crazy” will premiere in 2025.

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2024-08-23 12:47