Finnish director Ulla Heikkilä’s new film: A deep dive into ‘Summer is Crazy’
A star-studded cast for a heartfelt story
Finnish director Ulla Heikkilä has assembled an impressive cast for her sophomore feature, Summer is Crazy. The film stars Jussi Vatanen, known for his role in Fallen Leaves, Aamu Milonoff from Girl Picture, Jani Volanen of Hatching fame, Pirjo Lonka, and Bruno Baer from Light Light Light. Heikkilä expressed her admiration for the cast, stating, ”They brought their general ‘bestness’. It’s simply a luxury to work with such intelligent, skillful, and charismatic actors. They are all very good at showing the human condition in a bold and ‘naked’ manner.”
A midsummer tale of dreams and disappointments
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Finnish archipelago during Midsummer week, Summer is Crazy explores the lives of one family and their friends and lovers as they navigate disappointments and dream of a better tomorrow. The Eerola family, after the bankruptcy of their fine-dining restaurant, finds themselves stuck in a seaside village. The father’s depression casts a shadow over the family, leading both the mother and the teenage daughter to rebel against their stagnant life in their own unique ways.
A father’s struggle and a family’s journey
Jussi Vatanen, who plays the father, shared his insights into his character: “I play a man who doesn’t really know how to be a father, but he loves being a dad. If you try to be a role model to someone you don’t know at all, that creates strange, funny, and tragic moments.” Vatanen emphasized that each actor brought their own flavor to this heartwarming yet slightly manic Midsummer fiesta.
Vatanen, who gained fame through the popular Lapland Odyssey franchise, reflected on the essence of comedy in the film: “What’s the secret of making comedies? I don’t want to know! I would start exploiting it,” he laughed. “Maybe there’s some silliness in this character, and others as well, but Ulla set the tone so perfectly I didn’t consider it ‘silly.’ It felt like life itself. I really loved how she combined the perspectives of different age groups in a believable and funny way.”
A production milestone and a director’s vision
Produced by Marja Pihlaja for Tekele Productions, Summer is Crazy was showcased at Haugesund’s New Nordic Films industry sidebar. The event also featured Suvi West’s first fiction feature Máttáráhká, produced by Julia Elomäki and currently in development. Elomäki highlighted the significance of Tekele having three films in different categories at Haugesund, a first for the production company.
Heikkilä, who previously tackled a larger ensemble in her debut feature Eden, shared her passion for multi-narrative stories: “I’ve said, jokingly, that I was brought to this earth to tell multi-narrative stories. But maybe it wasn’t a joke after all! Even as a child I kept drawing pictures of big families and groups of people. I guess I’m interested in the multitude of perspectives as a way of looking at the world, both as an artist and human being. To witness the same situation, or simply look at life through different eyes, is enthralling for me.”
The complexities of Midsummer celebrations
As the characters prepare for Midsummer celebrations, the idyllic scenery contrasts sharply with their inner turmoil. Heikkilä explained, “The idyllic scenery provides a great contrast to these unhappy people. Also, traditions, parties, and holidays tend to bring unwanted stuff to the surface.” The film delves into various personal struggles, from an affair with a charismatic boss to teenage angst, the loss of a lifelong dream, and even a brief pop career that ended 20 years ago.
Heikkilä admitted that the film’s melancholy took her by surprise: “It’s sad sometimes and that made me really sad, too. I guess that was a challenge, at least on a personal level. Luckily, it’s also funny and hopeful, so I didn’t have to cry myself to sleep every night.”
Summer is Crazy is set to premiere in 2025, promising a blend of humor, heartache, and hope that will resonate with audiences.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Summer is Crazy.