A Light That Never Goes Out

Jossain on valo joka ei sammu

Finland, Norway | 2025 | 108 min

Language: Finnish

Subtitles: English

Suitable for audiences aged 12 and above

Director(s): Lauri-Matti Parppei

Script: Lauri-Matti Parppei

Cast: Samuel Kujala, Anna Rosaliina Kauno, Camille Auer, Kaisa-Leena Koskenkorva

Production: Made

Distribution: B-Plan Distribution

Drama

With Guests Softies Music Matter of Mind In Finnish Friendship Première Debut Artists Society

Screenings:

Lauri-Matti Parppei’s feature debut premiered in the ACID section of the Cannes Film Festival. The film follows Pauli, a celebrated flutist in the throes of a creative and emotional crisis. Recovering from a breakdown with self-destructive undertones, he retreats to his childhood hometown of Rauma. There, a chance encounter at a local music store reunites him with Iiris, a former classmate. The two kindred spirits form a band — or more precisely, a “paramilitary sound art collective”—that goes by the enigmatic name Pitkä tyhjä alaviiva (The Long Blank Underscore).

Parppei draws from his deep roots in underground music, bringing an electrifying sense of curiosity and experimentation to the screen. He invites the audience to rediscover the joy of sound: here, music might be conjured from an electric toothbrush; there, from a guitar played with a spinning hand mixer.

As Pauli struggles to overcome his fear of falling short—of both his own and others’ expectations—he begins a journey toward reclaiming his creativity and voice.

Tytti Rantanen