Happier Days, Grump will start its principal photography on 31st of August 2017 in Hämeenlinna. An one-day shoot took place earlier this summer but now it’s time to go full blast, until mid-October. The role of the Grump will be played by the legendary Heikki Kinnunen.

Besides Hämeenlinna, the main locations will include Tuusula, Vihti, Helsinki and Kirkkonummi. The search for the extras in underway. At this moment we are looking for adult, twenty-plus Thai citizens or people of Thai origins for smaller roles. A reasonable knowledge of English or Finnish is required and the knowledge of Thai language is a benefit. Other extras are needed as well. Please find the instructions here:

www.facebook.com/SolarFilmsInc
www.facebook.com/Mielensapahoittaja

The movie is directed by Tiina Lymi and will star Heikki Kinnunen as the Grump and Satu Tuuli Karhu. The other cast will include Mari Perankoski and Iikka Forss in the roles of the Daughter-in-law and the Son. Petra Frey will return as the Wife and the awarded Lotta Kaihua will appear as the young Wife. The supporting cast is all-star; Elina Knihtilä, Jani Volanen, Sulevi Peltola, Janne Reinikainen, Kaisa Hela and Sari Siikander.

Happier Days, Grump is written for the screen by Tiina Lymi with Tuomas Kyrö and Juha Lehtola. The producers are Markus Selin and Jukka Helle, who also produced the first Grump movie. The Grump is the third most watched movie in Finland since 1991, with an audience of 500 926 spectators in theatrical release. The recent successes of Lymi include directing Off The Map and Lapland Odyssey III and the screenplay of the TV series Morbid Stories.

Happier Times, Grump will hit the screens in the fall of 2018. It will be distributed by Nordisk Film and the main partner is POP Bank.

The Grump wants to die, because all the work is done; the meaning of life is gone. But just as his own coffin is being finished, a new life appears to the Grump. His grandchild Sofia, 17, is in trouble and needs the stubborness and wisdom of her grandfather and the warmth of the fireplace. The Grump gets a new meaning to his life – and a major secret. A stubborn old man and an young city girl get together and two halves grow up to be more than one whole human being.

Happier Days, Grump is an amusing and heartfelt movie about a serious topic.

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

directed by
Tiina Lymi

written by
Tuomas Kyrö, Tiina Lymi and Juha Lehtola

distributed by
Nordisk Film

starring
Heikki Kinnunen, Satu Tuuli Karhu, Mari Perankoski and Iikka Forss

also starring
Kaisa Hela, Elina Knihtilä, Sulevi Peltola, Janne Reinikainen, Sari Siikander and Jani Volanen