Tumman veden päällä

The movie, based on the novel by actor Peter Franzén, is the story of little Pete, who is just about to start school in South-Western Lapland in the 1970s. In Pete’s mind, his family is normal, but Pete’s mother, Eeva, tries her best to protect her children from Pete’s step-father’s violent, alcoholic tendencies, but she is ashamed to acknowledge her failure in her relationship. Throughout his life, Pete and his sister Suvi finds support from his grandparents. Pete’s life is not dark – it is his life and it is joyous, warm and loving. It is not a life of darkness with a few bright spots; it is a life of light with a few dark spots in it. He’ll have to learn to be positive and see beyond the moment. This is his childhood. His life. (Zlín Film Festival)