History has been littered with people that have amassed followers based on the claim that they speak directly to God or another higher power. Whether or not the claims are honest is one aspect of the story, but in “Maria’s Paradise,” the dangers and pitfalls of following a self-proclaimed prophet and healer occur no matter the truth.
In honor of “Maria’s Paradise” making its debut at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, we’re proud to offer our readers a chance to check out an exclusive trailer for a film that is likely under the radar for many film fans.
“Maria’s Paradise” tells the remarkable true story of the title character, a notorious healer and prophet, who claims to have a direct line to God. Everywhere she goes, Maria is followed by people who want to run her out of town as a false prophet. However, when Maria isn’t around to lead, one of her followers, Salome, must come to terms with the new status quo, while also encountering a stranger that makes her begin to question her beliefs.
The film stars Pihla Viitala, Satu Tuuli Karhu, and Saga Sarkola. “Maria’s Paradise” is directed by Zaida Bergroth, who is an accomplished Finnish filmmaker working previously on the projects “Miami,” “Last Cowboy Standing,” and “The Good Son.” The film is written by Anna Viitala and Jan Forsstrom.
The filmmaker describes her latest project as “an intense story of love, its dangers, and its power.” She adds, “My goal was to make a film that is exciting and gripping, that both fascinates and moves.”
“Maria’s Paradise” is set to have it’s World Premiere at this year’s TIFF, which begins on September 6.
Here’s the synopsis:
Maria’s Paradise is an intense story of love, its dangers and its power. In 1920’s Northern Finland, a Christian sect, led by the angelic and charismatic MARIA ÅKERBLOM, is being chased out of town by an angry mob, accused of being a false prophet. They settle at a large estate in Helsinki where at night, the believers gather around Maria as she falls into a trance and delivers the words of the angels. Among the most fervent believers is SALOME, an orphan who is Maria`s new personal servant. Salome is happy to bask in Maria’s divine light, and Maria also sees something special in the girl. After dispatching her followers to attack her perceived enemies, Maria is soon captured and sentenced to prison for her crimes. Meanwhile, the tough street girl Malin joins the sect and forms a tight bond with Salome as she challenges her beliefs. After a daring escape, the ever more paranoid and dangerous Maria rejoins her followers, and Salome is now torn between the new freedom and friendship she has found with Malin, and Maria’s violent, all-consuming love.