Italian
Selma Vilhunen’s new epic: A journey through female resilience and societal shame
A filmmaker’s evolving voice
Selma Vilhunen, one of Finland’s most acclaimed filmmakers, has consistently given voice to women across various ages and backgrounds in her works. From the Oscar-nominated short “Do I Have to Take Care of Everything” to the Berlin Crystal Bear winner “Stupid Young Heart,” Vilhunen’s films have always resonated deeply with audiences. Her latest film, “Four Little Adults,” saw Alma Pöysti winning the best acting award in Göteborg, further cementing Vilhunen’s reputation.
A new ambitious project
Vilhunen’s upcoming film, “She Did Not Show Remorse,” promises to be her most ambitious and intense project yet. This period drama, based on Tommi Kinnunen’s best-selling novel “Defiance,” delves into the harrowing experiences of five Finnish women who worked for the Nazi army in Norway during the final months of WWII. The film explores their grueling journey through the arctic wilderness as they escape imprisonment, only to face societal shame upon their return.
A story of defiance and survival
The narrative centers on Irene, one of the five women, who struggles to explain her absence to her husband. Upon her return, she abandons any pretense of lying and leaves her doomed marriage, choosing instead the life of a drifter. Vilhunen was deeply moved by Kinnunen’s “angry and sometimes merciless” novel, which portrays the limited and often harsh choices available to these women.
Exploring female shame culture
In an exclusive interview, Vilhunen shared her thoughts on the novel and its themes. “The women in the story only have bad options to choose from,” she noted. “In my previous works, I have often focused on depicting solidarity, tenderness, and love. In this film, I feel I’m opening the door to all the anger and despair that is also true in this world and in myself. The forces that are trying to make the woman’s space in the world very narrow are strong again today.”
Historical research and gender bias
Vilhunen has spent years researching the taboo topic of Finnish women who worked for the Germans during WWII. She interviewed historians in Norway and Finland and pored over historical documents, uncovering a gender-biased narrative. “Although the entire Finnish nation was a German ally, and German soldiers had lived and fought in Finland for three years, only Finnish women were treated as traitors if they were caught having been in contact with Germans after Germany was declared an enemy,” she explained. “Men who fought in the war have their heroic stories of courage and brotherhood. Women, if they happened to have anything to do with the Germans, were put to shame.”
The physical challenge of filmmaking
The prospect of directing this physically demanding epic was a significant draw for Vilhunen, who herself walked more than 1,500 kilometers between Finland and Norway in her mid-twenties. “The physicality of the story is everything,” she said. “It will be demanding to make the film in the Lappish wilderness, but at the same time, I believe that nature will give us so much, and we must be able to adapt to a lot of what nature dictates.”
Anticipation and support
The film boasts an “absolutely fantastic cast,” which will be unveiled once filming begins in May 2025. The €3 million ($3.2 million) project is co-produced by Nordisk Film Norway & Denmark, Rein Film, and Filmcamp in Norway, with backing from the Finnish Film Foundation, Creative Europe Media, the Lapland Film Commission, and Kuusamo Council. Nordisk Film will handle Scandinavian rights.
Seeking distribution and festival attention
At the upcoming Nordic Co-Production Market in Haugesund, the project will seek distribution, further financing, and festival attention. “We are always keen to hear what kind of reaction audiences have to our story,” said producer Venla Hellstedt.
“She Did Not Show Remorse” is among 22 carefully selected projects to be showcased at the 19th Nordic Co-Production Market as part of the New Nordic Films market in Haugesund (Aug. 20-23).
A personal reflection
As a cinema enthusiast, I find Vilhunen’s dedication to exploring complex female narratives both inspiring and necessary. Her willingness to tackle difficult subjects and her commitment to authenticity in storytelling make her a filmmaker to watch. “She Did Not Show Remorse” promises to be a powerful exploration of resilience, shame, and the human spirit, set against the backdrop of a tumultuous historical period. For those interested in deep, thought-provoking cinema, this film is one to anticipate eagerly.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit She Did Not Show Remorse.
