Purge was chosen the official Finnish nominee for the Oscars

Young Aliide (Laura Birn). © Solar Films / Jere Hietala

Purge, directed by Antti J. Jokinen, has been chosen the official Finnish nominee for the Oscar. The movie, based on the multi-award winning novel by Sofi Oksanen, is produced by Markus Selin and Jukka Helle from Solar Films Inc.

The screenplay is written by Marko Leino and Antti J. Jokinen. The other key artists of the crew were director of photography Rauno Ronkainen, composer Tuomas Kantelinen, wardrobe designer Anna Vilppunen, production designers Tiina Korpiola (Paavilainen) and Katrin Sipelgas, editor Kimmo Taavila and sound designer Kirka Savinio.

The key cast features Laura Birn, Liisi Tandefelt, Amanda Pilke, Peter Franzén, Krista Kosonen, Kristjan Sarv and Tomi Salmela.

Purge premiered 7.9.2012, distributed by Nordisk Film Distribution Oy.

The jury was justifying the choice by describing the storytelling exceptionally strong. The narrative captures the audiences. The captivating story includes strong female characters. The acting is overwhelming. Purge has the guts to speak up. All the key elements have been professionally and artistically executed.

The Finnish Oscar jury, selected by Suomen Filmikamari (Finnish Film Chamber) made its choice after screening all domestic films that were theatrically released and fulfill other criteria for the selection.

The members of the jury were cinematographer Pasi Pauni, production designer Reija Hirvikoski, sound designer Salla Hämäläinen, screenwriter Karoliina Lindgren, actress Satu Silvo, composer Sanni Orasmaa, director Lauri Nurkse and producer Riina Hyytiä. The secretary of the jury was Susanna Shepherd and the chairman Tero Koistinen from Suomen Filmikamari ry.

The official selection criteria for the Oscar awards are maintained by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. AMPAS asks annually all film-producing countries to name one nominee for the competition of best foreign film. The category will include movies that premiered between October 2011 and September 2012.

The final Oscar nominations will be announced on the 10th of January 2013. The Oscar awards will be given out for the 85th time at the Oscar gala on the 24th of February 2013. The gala is televised all around the world.

More information about the Oscar-rules at: www.oscars.org

The rules for the best foreign film: http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/rules/rule13.html

Author Sofi Oksanen: I AM PROUD FOR THE WHOLE TEAM
“When I met my readers on the street who had seen the movie the night before, they started to cry again the following day. Then I knew that something rare had taken place at the movie theater. I am very proud for the whole cast and crew. Only by uncompromising work we can create movie experiences that are so touching.”
“The women in Purge wanted to hide their stories, experiences, away from the eyes that could see. That is why the story was originally conceived for theater stages. Something that tries to hide from our eyes, is absolutely interesting, especially when portrayed by actors. Now the same story has moved to the movie screens and the actors still show their powers. The extremely intimate experiences of the story come alive and the audiences can feel them with strength that has raised exceptionally powerful emotions among the spectators. That is why I am very proud on behalf of the whole cast and crew for his Finnish Oscar nomination.”

Sofi Oksanen
author