The Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center Nordic Film Series continues Thursday, February 14, with the film, “Return to Plainlands.” Showings are at both 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
“Return to Plainlands” (Lakeuden Kutsu) is a drama/comedy about Erkki Hakala, a tax evader who returns to Ostrobothnia (on the west coast of Finland) from Florida to claim what he feels is rightfully his: a place in the community and his wife, Kaisu.
The tax fraud that initially drove Erkki away from home has become statute-barred, and Erkki has become a millionaire selling cars in Florida. He has his mind set on buying a metal workshop and finding a house for the new life he intends to spend with Kaisu.
Erkki decides to realize all his plans in the course of one day, but things are not as straight forward as he had hoped. He has to settle the score with his family and convince Kaisu that he is sincere. Not until the sun rises again is an understanding found.
The film is based on a novel of the same name by popular Finnish author Antti Tuuri. It’s the final book of a family saga titled Pohjanmaa (Ostrobothnia). Three of the six books in the series have been made into movies.
The film is in Finnish with English subtitles. There is no admission charge, but donations are gratefully accepted.
The Finnish American Heritage Center is at 435 Quincy Street, Hancock. For additional information, please call 906-487-7302.
