Spring 2025 Program

The theme of power will be explored extensively in Kinokellari’s Spring. Image from the film Shadowland (2024) by Max Smeds.

Kinokellari’s popular matinée screenings continue from 5.3. onwards! Welcome to the movies!

5.3. THE PEASANTS

Poland, Serbia, Lithuania, 2023, 1h 54min, K16, drama, animation

Directed by DK Welchman & Hugh Welchman

Based on the peasant epic, the film is a visual experience that takes us on a journey to late 19th century Poland. Young Jagna is forced to marry a wealthy peasant against her will, and she is not safe from the gossip of a tight-knit village community.

The pair’s previous film was the first fully painted animation. This film is made using the same technique, consisting of over 1800 separate paintings.

12.3. SHADOWLAND

Finland, 2024, 1h 39min, K12, documentary

Directed by Otso Tiainen

The French Pyrenees mountain region hides an interesting community that worships sacred femininity. Hollywood director Richard Stanley, who is making his way back into the spotlight, has also found his way into the community. What happens when the director’s dark past is revealed to the members of the community?

Otso Tiainen’s film is a masterpiece of Finnish documentary filmmaking and it that has received much attention abroad. Perttu Häkkinen (1979-2018) was also involved in the project.

19.3. ALL OF US STRANGERS

USA, UK, 2023, 1h 45min, K12, drama

Directed by Andrew Haigh

A touching story about finding one’s own identity, loneliness and the depths of the human mind. Middle-aged Mark reflects with his deceased parents on how experiences have shaped him into the man he is.

The film has been called the director’s most personal work. The film has a carefully constructed sound design and fine performances.

26.3. THE ZONE OF INTEREST

UK, 2023, 1h 45min, K12, drama

Directed by Jonathan Glazer

A poignant film about the Höss family, who live next to a concentration camp and try to build a postcard-perfect life. The horrors of Nazi Germany are revealed through the indifference and cruelty of an ordinary family.

This acclaimed work has resonated in the minds of audiences around the world. The film’s haunting world is built up especially by the subtle sound design.

2.4. CORSAGE

Austria, 2022, 1h 54min, K12, drama

Directed by Marie Kreutzer

Queen Sissi (1837-1898), famous for her beauty, is struggling with a mid-life crisis. A battle for her own power begins, both externally and internally.

This film about the life of an Austrian monarch is a fascinating look at the past and the present. The film also contains a few things that are not appropriate to the period, which raises questions as to whether Sissi’s story has something in common with the present day.

9.4. THE TEACHER’S LOUNGE

Germany, 2023, 1h 38min, K7, drama

Directed by İlker Çatak

Carla, a teacher who has the best interests of her students at heart, sets out to find out if the allegations against her student are true. However, Carla soon finds herself caught up in a spiral of events that will eventually turn everyone against her.

The walls of a closed, hierarchical community slowly begin to crumble in this thoughtful and exquisite work. Can good deeds sometimes turn against themselves?

16.4. REALITY

USA, 2023, 1h 23min, K7, drama

Directed by Tina Satter

A young woman, Reality Winner, is confronted in her backyard one day by a mob of FBI agents who arrest her on suspicion of leaking secret documents to the public. The film explores both real-life events and the role of women in present-day America.

With excellent directorial choices, the first-time director manages to create a complex story and a tightly woven film, based on real FBI tapes.

23.4. MONSIEUR VERDOUX

USA, 1947, 2h 4min, S, drama

Directed by Charlie Chaplin

Classic of the season!

Henri Verdoux is a loving husband, a caring father and a cold-hearted murderer of rich widows. His situation is a result of his dismissal from work and the economic recession. The film explores the question of morality in many different ways.

A landmark work of black humour, it provoked opposition in post-World War II America. Only years later has its value been recognised.

30.4. THE LAST BUS

UK, 2021, 1h 26min, K12, drama

Directed by Gillies MacKinnon

An elderly Tom embarks on a long bus journey from Scotland to the south of England, his birthplace. Defying his own age and fate, Tom tries to fulfil a promise he made to his wife.

Timothy Spall’s performance in the film has been particularly praised. The film is a sympathetic journey, enhanced by the stunning Scottish scenery.

7.5. PERFECT DAYS

Japan, Germany, 2023, 2h 4min, S, Drama

Directed by Wim Wenders

Middle-aged Hirayama’s life is the same from day to day, but he seems content with it. Unexpected encounters reveal the man’s past and also give others insights into their own life’s journey.

Master director Wim Wenders’ latest film is an ode to everyday beauty and the fact that the world is what we make it. What are the things that make up human value today?