This screening is part of our National Competition.
Language: Eng, Fin Duration: 121 min Age Limit: 12+
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Fri 7.3. -
20:15 -
Finnkino Cine Atlas 2 -
12,50
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FR53
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Viimeinen päätös
The Last DecisionDirector: Peter Mikael WalleniusCountry: FinlandYear: 2024Genre: DocumentaryDuration: 57 minHilkka Niemi slipped in her backyard in 2011 and broke her spine. Despite the serious injury, doctors were optimistic about her recovery. However, the injury didn’t heal, and other symptoms began to manifest. Hilkka felt and knew that something was seriously wrong. After prolonged symptoms, she finally received a diagnosis: a rare disease called PLS. Hilkka would have to live the rest of her life with an incurable illness that would ultimately strip all mobility from her body.
Now, ten years after her illness onset, Hilkka moves with an electric wheelchair, communicates through a tablet speech program, and receives most of her nutrition through a tube directly into her stomach. The once-active woman who enjoyed dancing, crafting, and gardening is now just a shadow of her former self. Hilkka has a personal assistant around the clock, and her daughter Hertta visits often, helping with daily chores. As the disease progresses and her mobility declines, Hilkka has increasingly contemplated the rest of her life. What can life still offer? How to face a fate where one can only lie motionless? Hilkka is unsure if she wants to endure all this to the very end. Thankfully, she has Hertta, a daughter with whom she can discuss life and death.
In Finland, euthanasia cannot be obtained under a doctor's supervision. While it can be done independently, Hilkka and Hertta are not prepared for any brutal action. Together, mother and daughter are planning a trip to Switzerland, a country where assisted suicide is completely legal. Although Hilkka has expressed her desire, embarking on the journey is much harder. Dark humor lightens the mood even though mother and daughter face a tough situation. There is also the pressing urgency, as for assisted suicide to be performed in Switzerland, Hilkka's fingers must be functional. As her body weakens and limbs slow, Hilkka and Hertta must make a difficult decision, the last great decision.
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Two Forests
Director: Jan IjäsCountry: FinlandYear: 2024Genre: DocumentaryDuration: 64 minTwo Forests reflects on the end of human life and the final disposal: aging and death. This time, the setting is the aging and ailing Japan and its forest-related death myths. Two Forests also takes two approaches to death. Although people normally die of an illness or accident, in extreme cases individuals can decide for themselves when it is time to go – or the decision may be made for them by someone else.
