The Week of Finnish Film - Day 7
The story of SAUNA leads us into the core of darkness where there is no hope, no salvation.
21.00 Sauna
A cruel horror film bathing in the Finnish sauna culture, in the no-zone between Christianity and paganism.
Year 1595. The long war is finally over. Brothers Knut and Erik, members of a commission marking the border between Finland and Russia, commit a terrible sin when they leave a young girl to die a horrible death. As the commission crosses an uncharted swamp, the girl returns to haunt them, her face pouring endless filth. The weary men find solace in a nameless village and find a sauna—a sauna where all sins are washed away. Seeking forgiveness, the brothers step in... Sauna is a horror film about sins and repentance. The story leads us into the core of darkness where there is no hope, no salvation.
Directed by: Antti-Jussi Annila; screenplay: Iiro Küttner
cast: Ville Virtanen,Tommi Eronen, Rain Tolk, Viktor Klimenko; photography: Henri Blomberg; music: Panu Aaltio
Film Awards: Gerardmere, Riga, Briussel, Jussi – Scenography, Costume, Sound Design