Exploring modern love: Paula Korva’s “Sudden Outbursts of Emotion” wins big at Finnish Film Affair

A fresh take on midlife crises and modern relationships

Paula Korva has made a significant mark with her debut feature, “Sudden Outbursts of Emotion”, a sex-positive comedy that delves into the complexities of modern love and midlife crises. The film recently clinched the top prize at the Finnish Film Affair, an annual industry event that runs parallel to the Helsinki International Film Festival.

The plot: A journey through love and self-discovery

The story centers around Jane, a travel agent who thrives on selling adventures to others while being content in her stable relationship with her partner, Mikki. However, Jane’s world is turned upside down when Mikki suggests they open up their relationship. In an attempt to salvage their love, Jane agrees to attend a sex party known as the Isle of Lust.

The narrative takes an unexpected twist when Jane falls for Valma, a polyamorous individual. As new people and emotions enter their lives, the film explores the diversity of love and the challenging yet liberating journey of finding one’s own path. It raises the question: Is there such a thing as too much love?

Production and release details

Produced by Marko Talli of Helsinki-based Yellow Film & TV, “Sudden Outbursts of Emotion” was financed by Nelonen Media and the Finnish Film Foundation. The film is set for a theatrical release in Finland by Nelonen in early 2025. LevelK has acquired the rights for international distribution, and the film is currently in post-production.

A deeper look into midlife crises

Korva adapted the film from the novel “Kenraaliharjoitus” by Anna-Leena Härkönen. She was particularly drawn to the book’s portrayal of midlife crises, describing it as a “bittersweet phase in life when adults start acting like teenagers again.”

“Midlife is a humorous and tragic period when people realize they’re going to die eventually. You feel like you’re in a rush to make some big changes in your life,” Korva explained. For the protagonists, these changes lead to an exploration of polyamory and the sex-party scene in Helsinki, examining how to navigate relationships in today’s world.

A shift in perspective on open relationships

Korva notes that while open relationships are not a new concept, they have traditionally been male-dominated. “Earlier, the man in the relationship made the rules. But at least here in Finland, this new wave in this conversation is more about the feminine perspective and empowering women,” she said.

Industry praise and future prospects

LevelK CEO Tine Klint praised Korva’s debut, calling it a “sex-positive comedy that also includes the female angle. It is fun, entertaining. What’s not to like? It’s a good fit for us where we see cross-media and rights potential and get to work with an experienced producer and a new directing talent.”

Producer Marko Talli added, “We are thrilled to start a collaboration with LevelK and we believe that this will open the road for the international journey for our film. Paula has found a heartfelt and funny style to tell the story of the diversity of modern love and midlife crisis when adults act like teenagers. I believe everyone who is looking for their own way to love will enjoy this story.”

The Finnish Film Affair

The Finnish Film Affair, which ran from September 25 to 27, continues to be a significant platform for showcasing Finnish cinema to the world. The event provides an opportunity for filmmakers to present their work to international buyers, distributors, and festival programmers.

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