The much loved silent film concerts at the 33rd Midnight Sun Film Festival (from the 13th to 17th June, 2018) will be accompanied by award winning artists: Finland’s national treasure, foley artist Heikki Kossi, the two time Golden Reel Award winner Nicolas Becker and their Danish collegue, sound master Peter Albrechtsen will be creating a totally new soundscape to Alfred Hitchcock’s rare gem and talk about their work with the greatest film makers of our time.
Trio will be presenting and commenting some of their favourite films from the point of view of sound design. Unique masterclass will be ending on a high note with the rare screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s THE RING (1927). The trio will provide a unique silent film concert with highly creative soundscape.
Internationally acclaimed Finnish foley artist Heikki Kossi was awarded with a State Prize for Film Art in November. French Nicolas Becker is a two time Golden Reel Award winner and their Danish collegue Peter Albrechtsen was nominated for a Golden Reel Award with Heikki Kossi for THE HAPPIEST DAY IN THE LIFE OF OLLI MÄKI by Juho Kuosmanen. The trio will be talking about their work with directors such as Roman Polanski, Alfonso Cuarón, Dardenne brothers – and a certain Kuosmanen. They will be joined by French sound wizard Nicolas Becker. Becker has won the highly appreciated Golden Reel Award twice for the films Gravity and MicMacs. He’s worked with such auteurs as Roman Polanski (The Pianist), Dardenne brothers (l’Enfant), Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity) and Denis Villeneuve (Arrival).
In addition to Hitchcock’s The Ring this year’s festival silent film concerts include masterpieces by King Vidor and Jean Vigo.
The Patsy (1928) is King Vidor’s breathtaking romantic comedy. The star of the film is the sensationally talented comedienne, Marion Davies, who was the scandalous beauty of her time. Charlie Chaplin has called the film his favourite comedy of all time and it’ll be screened with the music by Dutch composer Maud Nelissen. The Sprockets will perform the music with Nelissen. Jean Vigo was the genious who left his mark on film history despite his early death. À propos de Nice (1930) is a short documentary accompanied by tenor saxophone player and composer Esa Pietilä. Vigo’s masterpieces Jeunes diables au collège (1933 and L’Atalante (1934) will be screened with Maurice Jaubert’s legendary music.
Film education and White Reindeer
Film education is close to festival’s heart and it’ll be on the focus of this year’s opening day. Internationally acclaimed speakers will be leading the way from Wednesday morning starting at 10am.
Arriving under the midnight sun early is highly recommended this year. The very first film screening is a special take on Erik Blomberg’s classic White Reindeer (1952). One of the most beloved Finnish films of all time will be accompanied by 40-member choir. Simultaneously the screening will be a tribute to very first Midnight Sun Film Festival: White Reindeer was the opening film also in 1986.
Midnight Sun Film Festival wishes to thank:
Audiovisuaalisen Kulttuurin Edistämiskeskus (AVEK), EU/Creative, Finland Festivals, Jenny ja Antti Wihurin rahasto, Kansallinen Audiovisuaalinen Instituutti (KAVI), Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas Oy, Rovakaira oy, Sodankylän kunta, Suomen Elokuvasäätiö (SES).
The 33rd Midnight Sun Film Festival takes place from the 13th to 17th June, 2018.