Welcome to the Movies - Short Films Explore the Meanings of a Gift
The collection of four short films addresses the theme of a gift in various ways. The student film projects contemplate what happens when someone wants to give you a gift, and you are not ready to accept it? When teasing a magician at a children's birthday party leads to an attempt at new magic? Or when the gift conceals secrets that unexpectedly come to light during the celebration?
Curated by Outi Turpeinen. Thank you for help Saara Toivanen/ELO.
Leading the way in cinema
Finnish cinema is enjoying increasing success and is finding an international audience. Student films are gaining ground at both domestic and international festivals. Aalto’s Departments of Film Studies aims to produce filmmakers with a strong vision of their own – the programme’s guiding star when training new talent is to encourage and nurture individuality. The diversification of filmmakers – and particularly the rise to prominence of women filmmakers – has also been a factor in Finnish cinema’s success. When Aalto’s film-makers address new and relevant subjects in interesting ways, their work resonates not only in this country but also around the world.
Movie synopsis
ILO P. ILLERIN TAIKATEMPPU, 2023, directed by Veikko Timonen
Joy the Magic Clown is a middle-aged clown magician, who despite her enthusiasm is not the best at her job. Ilo has started to doubt her choice of career and after one bad day she’s ready to quit, unaware of the magic powers that are bubbling underneath.
ASAP, 2023, directed by Hannu-Pekka Peltomaa
There is a first time for everything, and for young Aliisa and Vili, that time is today on their three-month anniversary. How far is one willing to go just to avoid saying ‘’no’’ to their loved one?
REVIIRI, 2020, directed by Marika Harjusaari
Sampo introduces his girlfriend Heli for the first time to his whole family at his parent´s wedding anniversary party. As the night goes on, they learn new and unexpected traits of each other.
A SUDDEN APPEARANCE, 2025, directed by Arman Zafari
Short on money, Maija turns up at her son Mikko's party uninvited. Not having seen his mother for years, Mikko is forced to welcome the new guest.
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