Estonian premiere

Death is a Problem for the Living

Local title
Surm on elavate probleem
Original title
Peluri - Kuolema on elävien ongelma
Director
Teemu Nikki
Country
Finland, Italy
Year
2023
Festival
27th Black Nights Film Festival
Programme
Official Selection - Out of Competition
Genre
dramedy, crime film
Subject
familial relationships, addictions, death, absurd

With full-length feature films, Teemu Nikki (“The Blind Man Who Didn't Want to See Titanic”) has quickly become one of the most important directors of Finnish cinema. One can discuss whether and how film school helps or hinders the development of creative talent. Nikki is a self-taught filmmaker. However, he only managed to make big films after numerous experiments in short films and TV series. And then there was the first full-length film, which he directed based on his previous popular television series. However, the audience was not particularly enthusiastic. But this was followed by a clear success story.

Risto has a small business – transporting the dead. He's a gambling addict. Neighbour Arto works at a kindergarten but is fired from his job for potentially endangering the children. He has a medical phenomenon – the man lacks most of his brain. Both have reached a dead end in family life as well. This is how they find each other and together they find a dark but lucrative job. They play Russian roulette live on the dark web. A body needs to be removed.

The filmmakers and critics also point out that it is a black comedy. Indeed, there are many such elements. At the same time, with the help of the director, actors Pekka Strang and Jari Virman, build such characters that create a kind of compassionate sadness in the viewer. The strength of the author's worldview in this film is the skilful combination of comedy and drama.

Mihkel Möölman

Director
Teemu Nikki
Screenwriter
Teemu Nikki
Cast
Pekka Strang, Jari Virman, Elina Knihtilä, Hannamaija Nikander, Pihla Penttinen, Tiina Weckström, Samuli Jaskio, Iivo Tuuri, Eero Milonoff, Timo Julkunen
Producer
Jani Pösö, Andrea Romeo
DoP
Jyrki Arnikari
Editor
Teemu Nikki
Composer
Marco Biscarini
Production
It’s Alive Films
Runtime
Language
Finnish
Subtitles
Estonian, English
Director
Teemu Nikki

Teemu Nikki (1975) is a self-educated, award-winning filmmaker and son of a pig farmer from Sysmä, Finland. His film “Euthanizer” (2017) was a festival success and the official Finnish Oscar entry for the 2019 Academy Awards. “The Blind Man Who Did Not Want to See Titanic” (2021) won the Orizzonti Extra Audience Award in Venice. Nikki has also directed numerous short films and popular series. Nikki’s style is best described as a good-willed yet unapologetic political satire of humanity.

Filmography:
3 Simoa (Simo Times Three, 2012), Lovemilla (PÖFF 2015), Armomurhaaja (Halastushukkaja, PÖFF 2017), Nimby (2020), Sokea mies joka ei halunnut nähdä Titanicia (Pime mees, kes ei tahtnud näha Titanicut, PÖFF 2021), Peluri – Kuolema on elävien ongelma (Death Is a Problem for the Living, 2023)

Screenings

7th Hall Apollo Kino Coca-Cola Plaza
Screening090703 / Surm on elavate probleem
SubtitlesEnglish, Estonian
Q&A guestsJani Pösö (Producer)
Q&A duration
Screening duration
2nd Hall Apollo Kino Solaris
Screening101203 / Surm on elavate probleem
SubtitlesEnglish, Estonian
Screening duration
Hall Electric Cinema, Tartu
Screening124202 / Surm on elavate probleem
SubtitlesEnglish, Estonian
Screening duration
Trailer