Die Geschichte vom Holzfäller

The optimistic woodcutter Pepe leads a quiet life in a small town in the north of Finland. Peace of mind, a harmonious marriage, and a model child – he has no reason to complain. But the situation changes when he loses his job. And this sudden news is just the first in a series of tragic events. The directorial debut of Mikko Myllylahti, poet and screenwriter behind the drama The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki, was shown as part of Critics’ Week at Cannes Film Festival. A darkly humorous existential drama about the search for the meaning of life in difficult times, The Woodcutter Story asks an insidious question: Is happiness fleeting or does it depend on one’s inner disposition? (Karlovy Vary International Film Festival)