TOVE at Nordic Nights

Zaida Bergroth’s biopic of Tove Jansson, the creator of the Moomins, screening in the Nordic Nights series.

25.1.2022

7 pm

online

Honorary Consulate of Finland in Toronto, Icelandic Club of Toronto, UofT Finnish Studies, School of Image Arts

Film

When Zaida Bergroth(Link to another website.) was approached about directing a film of someone of Tove Jansson’s stature, she did not have to think long before accepting after some initial trepidation.  Artist Tove Jansson made her mark with her Moomin characters and that continue their life in a comic strip and films.  Finns appreciate Tove Jansson so much that August 9, her birthday, has since 2020 been the Tove Jansson and Finnish Art Day, and as such an official flag day.

Bergroth’s directorial track record is impressive – TOVE(Link to another website.) is her fourth film to have its international premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, preceded by her three previous feature films Maria´s Paradise(Link to another website.), Miami(Link to another website.), and The Good Son(Link to another website.).

Alma Pöysti, who plays Tove Jansson, has a family background in theatre over three generations but made her own choice to make acting her career.  Her mother tongue is Swedish, just like Tove Jansson’s and the film is mostly in Swedish.  For her role she was given the Finnish national film award, the Jussi, for Best Actress.  The film itself garnered a total of seven Jussis, including Best Film and Best Direction.  It also was the Finnish entry for the 2021 foreign language Oscar.

The film hones in on Tove Jansson’s creative energy, her insecurities, inner conflict, and unconventional life.  Zaida Bergroth comments that she wanted to depict Tove closely and sensitively and show as many surprising sides of her as possible, so that the audience understands how passionate and wild she was, how much she loved parties and love itself. It’s about Tove’s life but also a celebration of courage and independence.

Screening with a School of Image Arts(Link to another website.) student short film.

Screening Tuesday January 25 at 7 pm via zoom.  Immediately following, join us for discussion with Professor Anu Muhonen from UofT Finnish Studies.

Admission is free, registration required(Link to another website.)

Trailer(Link to another website.)

Hollywood Reporter review(Link to another website.)

IONCINEMA interview with director Zaida Bergroth and Alma Pöysti(Link to another website.)