From Finnish writer and director Alli Haapasalo comes “Girl Picture,” a movie about two best friends always having each other’s backs no matter what. This will be Haapasalo’s third feature film, following the release of her feature debut “Love and Fury” in 2016, and her second feature “Force of Habit” released in 2019 saw several directors producing a film that focused on gender bias and structural misuse of power. The movie received Jussi nominations for best film, best directing, and best screenplay, and was given the Nordic Film Award in 2020.
READ MORE: ‘Girl Picture’ Review: A Charming, Irresistible Coming-Of-Age Story.
“Girl Picture” is produced by Leila Lyytikäinen who’s worked in the business for over 20 years. Lyytikäinen is known for her work on shows like “Bordertown” and “Replacements”.
Here’s the official synopsis:
Best friends Mimmi and Rönkkö have each other’s backs, always. They want to live adventurous lives, loaded with experiences and passion. Emma, on the contrary, has given her whole life to figure skating. Nothing gets between her and success. But when the girls meet, life opens new paths, and they all rocket in new directions. While Mimmi and Emma experience the earth-moving effects of first love, Rönkkö is on a quest to find pleasure.
Director Alli Haapasalo said, “The original Finnish language title of ‘Girl Picture’ is ‘Tytötty tötty töt,’ which means ‘Girls Girls Girls.’ This is a phrase that’s used in Finland to shame girls–wagging your finger and using the ‘what have you done now’ tone of voice. Girls have said something wrong, girls have worn something wrong, girls have done something wrong. With the film, I want to reclaim the phrase and give it a new tone: instead of wagging my finger I’m going to raise my arm up high and let out jubilant ‘Girls Girls Girls!!!’”
“Girl Picture” stars Aamu Milonoff, Linnea Leino, and Eleonoora Kauhanen in the lead roles. Milonoff is known for her work on the Finnish series “Karppi” released in 2018 on Netflix, Milonoff’s upcoming role in the short “Pihoilla Kaikuu,” which translates to “Echos in the Yard.” has entered post-production with an expected release of 2022.
The full cast includes Aamu Milonoff, Eleonoora Kauhanen, Linnea Leino, Sonya Lindfors, Cécile Orblin, Oona Airola, Mikko Kauppila, Amos Brotherus, Bruno Baer, and Nicky Laaguid.
“Girl Picture” previously screened at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival and Berlin’s International Film Festival. The movie will be released at the IFC theater in New York as well as additional markets on August 12.