"Orenda" is a 2025 drama film directed by acclaimed Finnish filmmaker Pirjo Honkasalo. The film marks Honkasalo's return to narrative cinema since her 2012 feature, "Concrete Night."
Plot Summary:
Set on a remote lighthouse island, "Orenda" follows Nora, a successful opera singer, who arrives to fulfill her late husband's wish to be buried there. On the island, she meets Natalia, a priest estranged from the church, who has isolated herself in the archipelago. As they confront their shared past and guilt-ridden memories, the two women form a fragile bond, navigating themes of love, faith, and redemption.
Short Summary:
"Orenda" is a Finnish drama directed by Pirjo Honkasalo, focusing on two women confronting their intertwined pasts on a secluded island, exploring themes of guilt, grace, and redemption.
Themes:
Guilt and Redemption: Explores how past actions and memories influence the present, and the journey towards forgiveness.
Isolation and Connection: Depicts the contrast between physical isolation and the human need for connection.
Faith and Doubt: Examines the complexities of belief and the personal struggles associated with faith.
Key Success Factors:
Renowned Director: Pirjo Honkasalo's esteemed career and unique storytelling approach contribute to the film's depth.
Compelling Performances: Featuring Pirkko Saisio and Golden Globe nominee Alma Pöysti, the film benefits from strong portrayals of complex characters.
Cinematic Setting: The remote island backdrop enhances the film's atmospheric and thematic elements.
Awards, and Nominations: 2 nominations
As of January 2025, "Orenda" is set to premiere at several international film festivals, including:
International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR): World premiere in the Big Screen Competition (30 January - 9 February 2025).
Göteborg Film Festival: Competing for the Best Nordic Film Award (24 January - 2 February 2025).
Tampere Film Festival: Finnish premiere and opening film, accompanied by a retrospective of Honkasalo's 50-year career (5-9 March 2025).
Production Details:
Director: Pirjo Honkasalo
Screenwriter: Pirkko Saisio
Producers: Misha Jaari, Mark Lwoff
Production Companies: Bufo (Finland), Allfilm (Estonia), Plattform Produktion (Sweden)
Cast:
Pirkko Saisio as Natalia
Alma Pöysti as Nora
Hannu-Pekka Björkman
Luca Leino
Cinematography: Max Smeds
Music: Sanna Salmenkallio, Elias Salmenkallio
Editing: Samu Heikkilä
Production Design: Tiiu-Ann Pello
Sound Design: Jan Alvermark
Distribution and Sales:
International Sales: The Yellow Affair
Theatrical Release in Finland: Scheduled for 17 April 2025.
Release Dates:
World Premiere: 31 January 2025 at IFFR.
Finnish Theatrical Release: 17 April 2025.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33589472/
Link Review: https://iffr.com/en/iffr/2025/films/orenda
About movie: https://www.yellowaffair.com/orenda
Recommendation:
"Orenda" is recommended for viewers who appreciate character-driven narratives set against evocative landscapes. The film's exploration of profound themes, combined with Honkasalo's directorial expertise and compelling performances, promises a thought-provoking cinematic experience.
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