Aurora

Directed by Miia Tervo

Narrative Film/ Finland/ 105 mins

Strand: EU Female Gaze/ In Competition

English Premiere

Screening: Saturday 21st September 21:00 | Monday 23rd September 18:15

Review:

Aurora (played by Mimosa Williamo who gives a beautifully layered performance) is strong and feisty yet completely lost. Tired of her job as a nail technician, she has recently had her house repossessed and has had to carry her alcoholic dad into rehab, again. Understandably, Aurora is restless and wants to get away from her stagnant life, and move to Norway. Instead of physically leaving, she escapes through excessive drinking and drugs, which usually ends with a visit to her regular hot dog stand. Here she meets Darian, a gentle, caring father and an asylum seeker who needs to marry a Finnish woman in order to gain asylum for himself and his daughter. Aurora agrees to help him find a match but this unlikely pair soon find themselves at an unexpected crossroads. Which direction will they choose?

This striking comedy-drama by director Miia Tervo is essentially a story about running away. It shows that you can only run for so long - sometimes you have to stop and face what is right in front of you. Bringing light to moments of sadness, speckled with genuinely hilarious moments, this is such a charming watch./ Reviewed by Marthë Taylor

IMDB

Credits:

Director: Miia Tervo

Writer: Miia Tervo

Producer: Max Malka

Executive Producer: Riina Hyytiä

Cast: Mimosa Willamo, Amir Escandari