An idiosyncratic dark comedy direct from the 2022 Cannes Film Festival Critics’ Week, The Woodcutter Story is a surreal exploration of the meaning of life.
Pepe (the commanding Jarkko Lahti, Helene, ScandiFF2021, The Happiest Day of Olli Mäki) is a sweet-natured woodcutter in an idyllic small town in northern Finland. Surrounded by friends and family who gather in the evenings around dinner and card games, Pepe is content with his simple existence.
Over the span of a couple of days, a series of events gradually destroys the quiet and happy life he once had, yet Pepe remains unfazed. As the ensuing days throw all sorts of chaos, strife and surreal adventure at him, Pepe remains determined to look on the bright side. Always smiling, always optimistic, as if he knows a secret to existence that no one else does.
Shot on 35mm film and featuring deadpan humour, the snow-covered haunting and absurd fairy tale The Woodcutter Story is the feature film directorial debut from Mikko Myllylahti, writer of Cannes Un Certain Regard winner The Happiest Day of Olli Mäki.