NITN | @notintownlive | 25 Aug 2018, 08:40 am
Toronto, August 24 (NITN): The female-led production company Tuffi Films took on the rise of the alt-right in Nordic region, Northern Europe and the West in the simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking teen drama Stupid YOung Heart, which is slated for World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2018.
Director Selma Vilhunen and screenwriter Kirsikka Saari joined forces once again following their joint Oscar nomination for the comedic short Do I Have To Take Care Of Everything? in 2012.
Stupid Young Heart will premiere at TIFF on Sept 8, 2018 at Scotiabank Theatre, Toronto.
“What impressed me about Kirsikka Saari's screenplay was how skillfully she connected the story of the individual and a portrayal of the society today", says Oscar-nominated director Selma Vilhunen.
“Through a touching love story between two teenagers in a very challenging situation we get to explore hopes and fears of an entire community."
Starring non-professional actors and set in a quiet suburb, an emasculated and skinny Lenni (Jere Ristseppä) is forced into adulthood when his off-again, on-again girlfriend Kiira (Rosa Honkonen) becomes pregnant at 15.
Finding love and guidance from a right-wing leader and organizer, Lenni quickly gets in over his head and has to choose between being by Kiira’s bedside as she gives birth, or carrying out an attack on a local mosque.
“Lenni is an adolescent in a world where grown-ups are afraid of their own future, and many are incapable of being real role models to their children”, says Oscar-nominated scriptwriter Kirsikka Saari.
“Many project their fears and frustration onto those who are in an even weaker position - the immigrants. This is the model that they pass on to their kids, and this is what is happening right now in Europe and North America.”
Stupid Young Heart will have three public screenings at the TIFF:
Press & Industry I
Friday, September 7 7:15PM
Scotiabank 9
Public I - World Premiere Event (talent in attendance)
Saturday, September 8 7:15PM
Scotiabank 11
Public II (talent in attendance)
Monday, September 10 11:30AM
Jackman Hall
Press & Industry II
Wednesday, September 13 11:45AM
Scotiabank 7
Public III
Saturday, September 15 8:00PM
Scotiabank 7
Selma Vilhunen and TUFFI Films recently directed and produced the international and viral sensation HOBBYHORSE REVOLUTION. Vilhunen attended TIFF in 2016 with the award-winning feature LITTLE WING, for which lead actor Linnea Skog, then 12 years-old, was awarded the Jussi Prize for Lead Female Role of the Year.
- City Heroines – Women’s Day special heritage walk through Dalhousie’s stories of reform and resistance
- US Bakery Giant Cheesecake Factory Brings its Signature Slices to India with Bengaluru Debut
- From Desert to Sea: 5 Breathtaking Blue Cities Around the World
- Japanese Ambassador’s Bengaluru Visit Puts India's Best Pizza in Spotlight
- Vintage automobiles steal the show at The Lake Club, Kolkata
- Heritage walk traces Medical College Kolkata’s 192-year journey of medicine, reform and nation-building
- Zakaria Street Heritage Food Walk in Kolkata - Register Now to Taste a Living Culinary Legacy
- Step Into the World of Bridgerton at These Real-Life Locations
- This New Place at Zurich’s Bürkliplatz is Quietly Becoming Everyone’s Favourite Stop
- From ancient sea routes to your plate: Taj Bengal’s Jatraa is Kolkata’s must-taste food voyage
Air India has announced two new international routes as part of its ongoing expansion in Asia, adding direct connections to Hanoi and increasing services to Tokyo.
Lufthansa is set to introduce a new nonstop service between Frankfurt and Kuala Lumpur starting October 25, 2026, expanding its presence in Southeast Asia. The route will operate five times a week throughout the year, with flights scheduled daily except Tuesdays and Thursdays. Bookings for the service are already open.
Air India and Air India Express will present their upgraded cabin products and refreshed on board experiences at SATTE 2026, taking place from 25 February to 27 February 2026 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, offering trade partners and visitors a first-hand look at the airlines’ transformation journey.