Nordic Film Series

A simple but transcendent story about faith and human frailty is this month’s showing of the Nordic Film Series at the Finnish American Heritage Center.
“Letters to Father Jacob,” a 2009 film by Finnish director Klaus Härö, will show at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13 at the FAHC. There is no charge for admission, but donations are appreciated. The film, which is about one hour and 15 minutes long, is in Finnish with English subtitles.
One of Finland’s medieval stone churches, beautifully set in a picturesque, remote part of the country, is the setting for the moving story of a blind, saintly minister and the hardened female ex-convict appointed to be his assistant. Together, they find redemption and life’s purpose. One reviewer described the film as a “a stirring example of just what can be accomplished in a mere 74 minutes.”
Härö, much like the subject matter of his movies, is an anomaly in today’s filmmaking industry. He is a devout Christian who reads the Bible daily, and he considered the ministry as a young man. Many have described his work as a welcome departure from the violence and vulgarity of today’s mainstream productions.
“Letters to Father Jacob” won several awards in Finland, and was the country’s nominee for the 2010 Oscar Awards “Best Foreign Film” category.
For more information about the film, or the series, call the FAHC at (906) 487-7549.