Recession, Comfort, and Utopias

Sunday, August 23, 5:30 | Kino Tapiola terrace

During Finland’s deepest recession of the 1990s, two very different television series captured the hearts of viewers. The Bold and the Beautiful offered shimmering escapism in the glamorous world of the Los Angeles fashion industry, while Metsolat followed the determined struggle of Erkki Metsola, a small-town entrepreneur from Kainuu, and his family as they pursued a better life and their dreams.

In today’s world of multi-crises and a prevailing sense that there are no real alternatives, is there still room—or a need—for these kinds of story worlds? Taking on this question are Inka Achté, director of the documentary Soap Fever (Kaunarikuume), and journalist Johannes Roviomaa, a devoted Metsolat fan. The discussion will be moderated by Tytti Rantanen, Executive Director of Espoo Ciné.

During the Finnish-language discussion on the terrace of Kino Tapiola, audiences can enjoy an afternoon coffee or cocktail while channelling their inner Antti Metsola or Stephanie Forrester.

Before the discussion, Inka Achté’s documentary Soap Fever (Kaunarikuume) will be screened at Kino Tapiola at 6:00 pm.