SONG

2014

Documentary

Before there was a written language there were songs.

As its title suggests, ”Song” is a song in the shape of a film. Its verses depict the journey of artist and cartoonist Hanneriina Moisseinen during her visits to Jussi Huovinen, the last living rune singer in Finland. During two and a half years the stories of the teacher and the pupil intersect, and tradition is passed on from one generation to the next. Drawing on Jussi’s songs and his wisdom Hanneriina starts to make a new piece, her most personal piece thus far.

Jussi Huovinen, aged 86 in the beginning of the film, is the last inhabitant of his birth village Hietajärvi. He is the last living person in Finland, who has learned ancient rune songs orally, from his mother and father. Moisseinen, 32, wants to learn his songs and the knowledge that they carry. Songs bring people together regardless of time and space, making them part of something bigger. Songs are the source of comfort and strength when pain is almost unbearable, as well as they are a way of sharing joy and happiness.

A documentary film. Duration 82 minutes. Premiere 4/2014.

FESTIVALS

Visions du Réel, 2014
Rauma Blue Sea Film Festival, 2014
Rokumentti Rock Film Festival, 2014
Savonlinna International Nature Film Festival, 2014
Helsinki International Film Festival – Love & Anarchy, 2014
The International Comic Arts Forum, 2014
Umeå European Film Festival, 2014
Brave Festival, 2015
Lusaka International Film & Music Film Festival, 2015

Selma Vilhunen participated in Twelve for the Future 2010 / 2011 -workshop with Song.

Credits

DIRECTORS, SCREENWRITERS

Selma Vilhunen

PRODUCER

Elli Toivoniemi / Tuffi Films

EDITOR

Okku Nuutilainen

CINEMATOGRAPHER

Selma Vilhunen, J-P Passi, Päivi Kettunen and Sari Aaltonen

SOUND DESIGNER

Tuomas Klaavo

The film participated in Edinburgh Pitch -forum in 2011.