Above Dark Waters

Childhood between love and fear. A ravishing story about little Pete and his survival and growth in the gray area between love and fear.

The movie, based on the novel by actor Peter Franzén, is a growth story of little Pete, just about to start school, in Keminmaa area in South-Western Lapland in the 1970’s.

Synopsis

Fear is lurking in the corners of Pete’s mind. His subconsciousness is working on the things he sees at home: alcohol and violence are frequent visitors. The problems and the violent action often come as a surprise; the life also has harmony, happiness and a new feeling of trust.

The mother is loving towards her children; she wants to have the best possible marriage. To break the relationship would be considered as a shame, in the small village the family lives in. Especially as she already has one divorce in her past. She doesn’t want to lose her face, not a second time, not even if the well-being of her children is at jeopardy. The stepfather, who Pete calls daddy, is a lovable character – who turns into a monster when his drinking problems take over. Pete’s real father wants to be a part of his life but the stepfather makes that hard. The grandparents play a big part in the life of the family; their wisdom and instincts keep the children further from evil thoughts.

The story is dominated by the small persons instinctive drive to move along, to go on with one’s life. The support from the family gives Pete courage to push on, to look at things with his own eyes; the audience gets to see him close, his face becomes familiar. The core of the movie includes survival, loved ones, light, happiness and longing for peace.

The novel, script and directing: Peter Franzén

Above Dark Waters has been Peter Franzén’s own project from the beginning to the end; he has written the novel and the screenplay for the movie. He directed the movie and plays a major supporting role in it.

A word from the director

I am sincerely grateful to all those people who have worked for this movie. The subject is so close to myself that it was wonderful to get all these co-workers, familiar from a long way back, to build this world. And what a fine world they managed to create.

The gifted, symphatetic child actors made us all think every day why this story is being filmed. What it’s like to be a child. The grown-up actors sparked life to all the characters of my memories; I love them all, even those I can never forgive.

The purpose of the movie is to console, to point out and be an example how a child on the edge of adulthood can perceive his life ahead. How the love of your closest can effect your problems and turning points in a positive way. In the simplest way: how important it is to have someone present.

Homo homini lupus est – man is a wolf to his fellow man. But man can also be fire, love. A safe haven.

Peter Franzén
director

SELECTED CAST
Pete OLAVI ANGERVO
Father SAMULI EDELMANN
Mother MATLEENA KUUSNIEMI
Grandfather ISMO KALLIO
Grandmother MARJA PACKALÉN
Kake PETER FRANZÉN
Taina MARI PERANKOSKI
Suvi MILJA TUUNAINEN
Teukka TOMMI RAITOLEHTO
Pekka MIO HAMARI
Pekka’s mother Liisa ELINA KNIHTILÄ