‘Fallen Leaves’ stars Alma Pöysti and Jussi Vatanen: Audiences are resonating with the film’s ‘honesty, hope and warmth’ [Exclusive Video Interview]

Denton Davidson
·2 min read

“It was fantastic!” exclaims “Fallen Leaves” star Alma Pöysti while discussing her recent attendance at the Golden Globes. “We were so honored to be there and what a great party!” Pöysti was nominated for Best Comedy/Musical Actress and the film was in contention for Best Non-English Film. The Finnish movie has been shortlisted by the academy and is among 15 titles eligible to be nominated for Best International Feature at the 96th Oscars. Watch our exclusive video with Pöysti and her co-star Jussi Vatanen above.

Vatanen explains what an honor it has been to represent Finnish cinema all around the world. “Everybody loves it,” he says. “It brings hope and comfort to people and it feels important.”

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“Fallen Leaves” is set in modern-day Helsinki, where two lonely souls in search of love meet by chance in a karaoke bar. However, their path to happiness is beset by obstacles – from lost phone numbers to mistaken addresses, alcoholism, and a charming stray dog.

“Maybe its honesty,” Pöysti responds when asked what is resonating with audiences across the globe. “The characters in the movie lead quite rough lives. They are very lonely and shy and struggling. It seems like a lot of people recognize themselves in those kinds of struggles. Then they fall in love. They’re not teenagers, they’re middle-aged already. They get a second chance. In a way they’re past their due dates in the dating market. That’s what people are thanking us for, for giving them hope and warmth, and somehow comfort. That’s quite a wonderful thing.”

“Fallen Leaves” was written and directed by Aki Kaurismäki. In addition to the film’s two Golden Globe nominations, it won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and was named one of the top five international films of 2023 by the National Board of Review.

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