Suoterapia
2021
THE story
A middle-aged man on the verge of a burnout seeks new energy through a very special form of self help therapy.
Jussi, 48, is totally worn-out. A failed marriage, lost connection with his son and a professional downswing have driven him into a mental slump. Jussi’s young and athletic supervisor Aleksi has taken note of this and offers to help.
Aleksi takes Jussi to a remote bog. At the bog, Aleksi instructs Jussi on a series of exercises, meant to conjure up their ‘primitive side’. They throw large rocks, roar, wrestle face down in the mud. The behavior of the men becomes increasingly animalistic and Jussi, to his surprise, feels very empowered. As the day progresses, the impromptu self help retreat turns violent and life-threatening.
Aleksi becomes frightened of Jussi, who might be too far gone.
Watch on Yle Areena
cast
Jussi: Eppu Salminen
Aleksi: Emil Kihlström
Lintubongaaja: Hannes Suominen
Jussin poika: Leo Moreau
CREW
Screenwriter & director: Santtu Salminen
Producer: Elisabeth Keinänen
Cinematographer: Elis Lindfors
Editor: Riina Saltiola
Sound design: Jaanis Hållman
Composer: Emil Sana
Production design: Jaakko Juutela
Costume design: Mira Korhonen
MUAH: Nani Auvinen
Production manager: Emma Heikkilä
Production coordinator: Jussi Mäkelä
1. AD: Olli Kasper
Set runner: Saara Tuomisto
Script supervisor: Rosa Salomaa
Grade: Post Control
VFX: Totte Lehtinen
3D: Teemu Hartikainen
Gaffer: Ossi Kallio
Best person: Joni Lintula
Lighting technician: Tiia Salminen, Sakari Sankkinen, Johannes Heinonen
Grip: Roni Rautavuori, Santtu Koivisto
1. AC: Nuutti Sihvonen
2. AC: Aurora Sallinen, Marko Pyykkönen
Video assistant: Tia Alm
Drone operator: Eero Liimatainen
Sound recordist: Jaanis Hållman
Boom operator: Laura Viljanen
Administrative manager: Jani Kallio
Location manager: Pyry Aitamurto, Arto Kultalahti
Catering: Mikko Ahola
Set catering: Elise Byman
Production assistant: Juho Marttinen
Runner: Matias Kylliäinen
Production designers assistant: Aleksi Luukka
Stunt driver: Henri Perttula
Stunt coordinator: Seppo Kumpulainen
First AID: Viivi Joutsen
Graphic designer: Aura Latva-Somppi
Making of: Elias Ryynänen, Veikko Timonen
English translator: Roope Salminen
Russian translator: Vladislav Sarelainen
Awards & Nominations
Sydney Short Film Festival 2022 - Best Comedy, Winner
Neito Festivaali - Best Film, Winner
Tampere Film Festival - Generation XYZ, Audience Award, Winner
Manchester Film Festival - Best Student film, Winner
Budapest Independent Film Festival - Best Comedy, Winner
London-Worldwide Comedy Short Film Festival - Honourable Mention
Santorini Film Festival - Best Comedy Short, Winner
European Cinematography Awards - Best Student Film, Winner
European Cinematography Awards - Best Student Film Cinematography, Winner
Transilvania Shorts 2022 - Best Actor, Eppu Salminen, Winner
Cottbus Film Festival - Special Award, Winner
Helsinki International Film Festival Love and Anarchy - Cut to the Chase, Nominee
LA Comedy Film Festival - Best Comedy, Nominee
Prague International Indie Film Festival - Best Original Score, Semifinalist
Arctic Film Festival - Best Student Production, Nominee
Athens Short Film Festival - Official Selection, Nominee
Aesthetica Short Film Festival - Official Selection, Nominee
Blue Sea Film Festival - Official Selection, Nominee
Canadian International Comedy Film Festival - Official Selection, Nominee
Bolton Film Festival - Official Selection, Nominee
Encounters Film Festival - Official Selection, Nominee
Indiecork Film Fetsival - Official Selection
Tacoma Film Festival - Official Selection