Fallen Leaves

Winner of both the Competition Jury Prize and the prestigious Palm Dog at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Aki Kaurismäki’s lovely, quirky romance is a much-needed ode to the warmth that can be found in harsh times. Ansa, a pure-hearted supermarket worker, finds herself under fire for taking home expired food. Holappa, a sweet-natured, alcoholic scrapyard worker, quietly stashes bottles of liquor around his workplace. The two meet at a karaoke night in a local bar. Their connection is instant, but a few setbacks threaten to keep them apart. The irresistible romance of these star-crossed lovers unfolds in Kaurismäki’s signature deadpan style, replete with gorgeous, vivid Edward Hopper-esque framing, sprinkled with classic cinema references and Kaurismäki’s subtle but pointed social commentary. It’s a perfect film for those new to the filmmaker’s work as well as long-term admirers of the Finnish master ready to dive back into his idiosyncratic world.

Kimberley Sheehan, Film and Events Programmer

Audio Description available at all screenings.

The screening on Thursday 4 January 18:20 Studio will be presented with subtitles including additional descriptive subtitles of non-dialogue audio.