Tuftland (2017)

A headstrong textile student tries to overcome her problems by accepting a summer job offer from an isolated and offbeat village of Kyrsyä.

Director:

Roope Olenius

Writers:

Roope Olenius (screenplay), Neea Viitamäki (based on the play)

Stars:

Veera W. Vilo, Saara Elina, Miikka J. Anttila

5 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Veera W. Vilo	...	Irina
Saara Elina	...	Maaria
Miikka J. Anttila	...	Pertti
Ria Kataja	...	Maija
Neea Viitamäki	...	Siiri
Arja Pekurinen	...	Raakel
Ari Savonen	...	Severi
Janne-Markus Katila	...	Jalmari
Mirja Oksanen	...	Inkeri
Katja Jaskari	...	Miia
Enni Ojutkangas	...	Kerttu
Jari Manninen	...	Mauno
Jussi Tuomi	...	Teacher
Matvei Ojansuu	...	Bus driver
Niina Ylipahkala	...	Hilja

Storyline

Balancing between a failed relationship, uninspiring studies and financial problems, the headstrong textile student Irina finds herself stuck in the modern rat race. To overcome her problems she decides to accept an unexpected summer job offer at the secluded and self-sufficient village of Kyrsya. As Irina begins to get a grip of herself in the middle of the endless Finnish forest, the harmless and offbeat hillbillies begin to reveal their true nature.

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Plot Keywords:

forest | summer job | village | female hero | occult | 

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Genres:

Drama | Horror | Mystery | Thriller

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Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

Finland

Language:

Finnish

Release Date:

1 March 2019 (USA)

Also Known As:

Tuftland

Filming Locations:

Tammerkoski, Tampere, Finland

Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$399

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bright Fame Pictures, Tapahtumatuotanto Kolmas Pyörä, Hiski Show

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Character 'Siiri' is played by Neea Viitamäki, who wrote the stage play that this film is based on; character 'Pertti', is / was played by Miikka Antilla in both.

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Connections

Featured in Kyrsyä - tuftland - from stage to screen: Making-of (2018)

User Reviews

A village time forgot

"Kyrsyä" is a short (about 80 minutes), low-budget independent movie ("Findie") based on a play by Neea Viitamäki. A city girl going through a bad break-up is tricked into accepting a summer job at a small village - by the title - which has turned its back to the rest of the world. The village of Kyrsyä is seemingly a self-contained paradise living at peace with nature. However, it turns out that the village is a little too self-contained.

Viitamäki's story is a clever take on the anxiety dwelling among citizens too far removed from nature and, in juxtaposition, the consequences of not accepting to move with the times. In its pursuit of running away from the cacophony of the modern society, Kyrsyä has stuck to the ways of the 19th century, which causes all kinds of perversions. The film version deals with these themes, at times, inspiringly, but handles them in a noticeably uneven manner. This makes the viewing experience a trying but fascinating one. Especially weak is the clumsy ending, which is really unfortunate.

On the other hand, the village community, dialogue and depiction of nature are well presented. Acting is especially good, apart from a couple of exaggerations shooting for comedy - and, sadly, the leading actress, who can only offer a one-dimensional performance.

"Kyrsyä" aims for a blend of dark comedy and horror, but doesn't quite reach either. The pacing of the comedy is always a bit off and there is no sense of urgency regarding the horror. Even so, the movie does somehow weave its own sort of a spell through interesting topical ideas and some inspired acting.