A film straight from the cold north. With themes of folklore, outcast, and family respect. With a strong female protagonist, this film will be a visually stunning, mythical adventure.

THE STORY

Hope follows Aino, a warrior woman who makes her own way into the wilderness after being forced to marry into her community. 

When an injured warrior crashes into her, she finds out the man is carrying a Kantele, a mystical instrument that must be returned to the capital to save and unify the Kingdom. 

Feeling reluctant and betrayed, will Aino help the man save the Kingdom, even if it could mean losing herself?

THE CHARACTERS

Aino
A warrior who puts shame upon her family for going into battle and refusing to marry her chosen suitor. 

The Warrior
Uses tricks and persistence to persuade Aino to continue the mission he started. 

King Tapio
Aino’s father who forced her to flee but now is desperate to save his kingdom.

INSPIRATION

Finnish Folklore, my Grandmother and J.R.R Tolkien...

I take inspiration from my Finnish roots, the folklore history of strong female independence, which my grandmother used to tell me, and are not well known. We are always looking for stories that can inspire and entertain us. To me it is important that I'll share the stories and adventures from the cold north.

A huge inspiration on Aino's character was my Grandmother herself. She grew up under strict rules, and resisted her father to train in secret to become an actress, something rarely seen from a woman at that time. To me she was always a brave shield-maiden of her time and this story is meant to carry on her legacy.

It must be said that J.R.R. Tolkien's stories and tales have excited me since my childhood. Tolkien’s stories were inspired by one of the most significant works of Finnish culture, the Kalevala. This epic 19th century poetry of folklore and mythology has hugely impacted the story of Hope, as has Tolkien's work.

THE CREW

Terra Tevajarvi - Director/Creator

Prior to my filmmaking career, I worked at the Finnish Army, the Security Committee of Finland and at the office of European Parliament. With a degree in British history, and inspired by Tolkien's work, I knew I wanted to become a filmmaker. For my spare time, I enjoy fencing, medieval combat sports and playing board games. When I moved to the UK I began working heavily in the industry as a camera assistant, co-director and then I began to edit my own work. Starting my course at Met Film School has enabled me to reach out and make even more connections here in the UK, and this film is an opportunity for me to prove myself in a huge pool of talent.

Suzy Miller - Writer

After a career in Drama development, (Film4 & BBC) Suzy decided to draw upon her own experiences and start screenwriting herself. Recent awards include Quarter finalist at the Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards, and Semi finalist at the Screencraft Shorts Competition (2019)

"It's taken me years to do what I love, even though I've always written short stories, blogs in parenting magazines, and articles in the Daily Mail. I draw upon on the world I know, the issues I am passionate about, and let my sense of humour coupled with my imagination take flight."

Lotta Vehviläinen - Aino

During my exchange year in the UK, I got drawn into the world of performing arts. Because of my broad background in different sports my physicality has been a strength for me. Now it has guided me to a circus school where I will graduate to become a circus artist. When I first heard about this project and the role of Aino, I was instantly drawn to it. Her battles with herself and finding her way through the story felt like an exciting challenge for an actress.

Aapo Savisaari - The Warrior

Aapo Savisaari currently studies theatre at Lahti Academy of Liberal and Fine Arts. Having a strong foundation on stage singing, moving and acting both as a student and in professional productions, Aino - Story Of Hope is one of Aapo’s first cinematic works. Wherever Aapo goes, witty humour and connoisseur-grade memes won’t be lacking.

BUDGET

CAST AND CREW - 3000€
EQUIPMENT -  500€
FOOD AND TRAVEL - 500€
EDITING, GRADING AND POST SOUND - 1500€
FESTIVAL FEES - 500€
COVID SAFETY - 250€

WHY DONATE? 

This is not just a student project, it is a passion of mine, the first of three epic films that I am yearning to make. My plan is to make a series of three short films that will tell individual tales from the Kalevala. In the future, I'll want to turn these stories into a tv-series.

Due to my situation, I will need your help. As a student, I can't get this project off the ground without support. I have not given up on my vision because of lockdown. I'm looking for alternatives to achieve my goal of making this film and all the help is appreciated. The location and the costume design will not be an issue due to my connections in Finland.

However, the main challenges for me at the moment:

1. To help me hire prosessional equipment and talented crew

Due to lockdown, I am unable to retrieve any equipment from the Met Film School, which means I am now in a position to pay for this hire. Also, I want to make sure that the film will look and sound great which is why I want to hire a talented crew to make this adventure as exciting as possible.

2. To help me keep my production Covid safe

Even with a limited crew, I will still be making this production as safe and secure as it can be. Your contributions will go towards PPE, so I can ensure the safety of all cast and crew.

3. To make sure that the post-production enhances the film

As I want to get this project to stand out, it is important for me to spend resources on post-production. We'll have a stunning filming location and costumes, which is why I want to make sure that the project will have an experienced editor and colour grader. Additionally to me music and sound are essential and it is important to make sure that they are done properly.

4. To keep our crew fed and make sure that the film will be properly distributed

Other payments to consider include payments for the crew, catering, travel and of course festival applications. I want to make sure that this film will reach a broad audience and I'm able to send the final film to different festivals.