Days of Wonder

Awarded at Tallinn’s Black Nights Film Festival as well as at the festivals in Tampere and Helsinki DocPoint, the personal documentary Days of Wonder leads the viewer to an investigation into the trail of director Karin Pennanen’s dear uncle Markku. In her childhood, Markku is an essential and warm character, who disappears at one point and remains in contact only rarely. As he passes away, he leaves a notable collection of personal recordings, video clips, and art in a multitude of forms. From these clues, Pennanen starts to build a portrait of her mysterious uncle.

Days of Wonder is an intimate and unique diary-like essay film that tries to communicate with the dead and recover lost history. It is filled with fantastical and painful cinematic games, which embodies the joy of reunion and a fervent sense of search. In its own, unique style, it asks a humble question through a personal prism: what is the true meaning of life – and art?

Valtteri Lepistö

Please note: this film is in Finnish and Swedish, and has subtitles in Swedish and Finnish only.

Director Karin Pennanen will be a guest at Espoo Ciné and will attend the film’s screening. Pennanen will also take part in the panel discussion True Stories, Personal Emotions – Carving Art out of Life, starting at 3:45 pm on Saturday, 22 August, on the terrace at Kino Tapiola. The discussion will be held in English.

Markku Pennanen’s art can be explored at the pop-up exhibition Bedchamber Music, opening at the new Art Space Mari gallery on Sunday, 23 August. Read more about the exhibition!