Special screening of Finnish Film Stormskerry Maja
Thursday October 23, at 6.30 pm Stormskerry Maja (Myrskyluodon Maija) will screen at the Spadina Theatre of Alliance Française, 24 Spadina Rd, Toronto.
Stormskerry Maja (2024) has already become a Finnish classic. It is the big screen adaption of novels by author Anni Blomqvist (1909-1990) who lived all her life on one of the many islands in the Åland archipelago. The story of Maja is based on the lives of family, friends and neighbours and is set in the islands in the last half of 19th century. It also includes the times during the Crimean war (1854-56) when the British navy engaged in operations throughout the Baltic Sea in order to cut off Russian supply routes.
At 17, Maja marries Janne, a local fisherman, but not by her own choice. Her parents decide on what they consider a suitable match. She soon falls in love with Stormskerry and Janne as they start building a homestead on the small skerry. Determined and resourceful, Maja grows into a confident, independent woman working side by side with Janne with unbreakable spirit and love for her family.
Directed by Tiina Lymi, an award-winning Finnish actor, scriptwriter, and director. In 2024, Stormskerry Maja won six Jussi awards (Finland’s National Film Awards), including Best Film, Best Director, Best Lead, and the Audience Choice Award.
Variety interview with director Tiina Lymi
In Swedish and English, subtitled in English - Free admission, no registration required
Immediately following the screening: In conversation with Docent Anu Muhonen, PhD. This screening is part of the Multilingualism in the Nordic Region project.
Presented by SNU Coordinating Committee for Nordic Studies Abroad in collaboration with Canadian Friends of Finland Education Foundation and Kanadan Sanomat.