The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki

The charming debut of a young Finnish director tells the true story of Olli Mäki, a boxer whose preparations for the world championship are entangled in love.

Hymyilevä mies
Finland 2016
  • Czech
92 min.
Accessible
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About

Finland 1962. 25-year old Olli Mäki, a European amateur boxing champion, is training for the match of a lifetime for the title of world champion. As it’s the first time ever for his country, unassuming Olli is a sudden celebrity who is pressured mercilessly on all sides. Employing modesty, gentle humor, and uncommonly mature skill, newcomer Juho Kuosmanen has turned in a subtle drama that significantly enriches the boxing film genre – and it earned him a win in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes.

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Credits
Director: Juho Kuosmanen
Screenplay: Juho Kuosmanen, Mikko Myllylahti
Cinematography: Jani-Petteri Passi
Music: Laura Airola, Joonas Haavisto, Miika Snåre
Sound: Pietu Korhonen
Editing: Jussi Rautaniemi
Production Design: Kari Kankaanpää
Producer: Jussi Rantamäki
Co-production: Sol Bondy, Katarina Krave, Simon Perry, Jamila Wenske, Nicklas Wikström Nicastro
Costumes: Sari Suominen, Maaret Nikkinen
Cast: Jarkko Lahti, Oona Airola, Eero Milonoff, Joanna Haartti, Esko Barquero, Elma Milonoff, Leimu Leisti
Awards

Cannes Film Festival

2016 – Juho Kuosmanen (Un certain regard)

European Film Awards

2016 – Juho Kuosmanen (European Discovery)

Zurich Film Festival

2016 – Juho Kuosmanen (Best International Feature Film)

Jussi Awards

2017 – Jussi Rantamäki (Best Film)

Jussi Awards

2017 – Juho Kuosmanen (Best Direction)

Jussi Awards

2017 – Jarkko Lahti (Best Leading Actor)

Jussi Awards

2017 – Oona Airola (Best Supporting Actress)

Jussi Awards

2017 – Jani-Petteri Passi (Best Cinematography)

Jussi Awards

2017 – Jussi Rautaniemi (Best Editing)

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