On April 17th, the Finnish film Happier Times, Grump directed by Tiina Lymi, held a press conference in Beijing Hotel?Nuo. The film is shortlisted for “Tiantan Award” of the 9th Beijing International Film Festival. Director Tiina Lymi, producer Jukka Helle, actress Satu Tuuli Karhu and set designer Sattva-Hanna Toiviainen attended the press conference.

　　The Grump prepares to die - everything is done and his wife is dead. He is making his own coffin when the life walks in, all of a sudden. The granddaughter needs the stubbornness and wisdom of her grandpa. In return, The Grump gets a meaning for his life, and a big secret. The film presents a very beautiful Nordic pastoral scene, and a warm, funny story between the Grump and his granddaughter, amusing and thought-provoking.

　　Director Tiina Lymi is one of the screenwriters. At the beginning of film preparation, producer Jukka Helle invited Tiina Lymi to participate in screenwriting and direct the film. At that time, Tiina Lymi knew very little about Mari Perankoski, one of the actors. Later she agreed to join the project because she was moved by the life philosophy and educational significance conveyed by the story. We may lose something in life, but eventually we will always regain the beauty we lost and calmly accept the imperfections of life.

　　The layout of the Grump’s cabin in this film is quite unique. Asked how this creative idea came about, set designer Sattva-Hanna Toiviainen said that the cabin is actually a very typical Finnish house, which exists in real life. Although there were many options for the Grump’s residence, a beautiful wooden house should be the most suitable and safe choice because the story took place in a beautiful village. The mini bar set up by the Grump at home is like his “church”, a secret base.

　　The film shows the grandfather-granddaughter relation in a comedic way. Actress Satu Tuuli Karhu and actor Mari Perankoski had a lot of fun at the filming site. Satu was young and had no driving experience, so she had to pretend to drive in all scenes filmed in the RV, during which she almost hit a telegraph pole. That was a close call. Satu was safe and sound thanks to Mari Perankoski, who played the Grump. Satu also revealed at the press conference that Mari Perankoski had a great sense of humor in private; he’s interesting though he could be serious.

　　Producer Jukka Helle finally talked about the market potential of this cold humor commercial comedy. In Finland, the film has been seen by 300,000 people, creating a positive market response. Everyone can understand and like this kind of cold humor. However, the biggest difficulty and challenge faced by the team is how to bring the local film to the international stage. For example, how to translate cold humor? How to adapt to the culture of other countries? He is very much looking forward to the satisfactory performance of this film at the 9th BJIFF.