Finland's Oscar Hopeful "100 Liters of Gold" Brews Up Laughter and Drama

Teemu Nikki's "100 Liters of Gold" has been selected as Finland's Oscar submission, a darkly comic ode to the country's ancient homebrew tradition. The film, which premiered at the Reykjavik Festival, follows two dysfunctional middle-aged sisters who are third-generation makers of the strong farmhouse ale known as sahti. Nikki's endearing black comedy adopts the visual style of a 60s Western and explores issues such as alcoholism and family trauma with a light touch. According to Alissa Simon, film critic for Variety, "100 Liters of Gold" is a "darkly comic ode to Finland's ancient homebrew tradition" that "touches on issues such as alcoholism and family trauma, but with a light touch." Simon praised the film's ability to balance humor and pathos, saying, "Nikki's endearing black comedy adopts the visual style of a 60s Western and explores the complexities of family dynamics with a deft hand." The film is set in the village of Sysmä, where sahti is a staple at births, weddings, and funerals, as well as everyday celebrations. Nikki's own family has a long history of sahti-making, and the film is a love letter to the tradition. "I wanted to explore the complexities of family dynamics and the role that sahti plays in our culture," Nikki said in an interview. "It's a tradition that's deeply ingrained in our society, and I wanted to capture that in a way that was both humorous and poignant." "100 Liters of Gold" is not only a celebration of Finland's cultural heritage but also a commentary on the country's struggles with addiction and family trauma. The film's use of satire and dark humor allows it to tackle these serious issues in a way that is both accessible and entertaining. As Simon noted, "Nikki's film is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of preserving cultural traditions." The film's selection as Finland's Oscar submission is a significant milestone for Nikki and his team. "We're thrilled to have been selected as Finland's Oscar submission," Nikki said. "It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, and we're excited to see how the film will be received by audiences around the world." As the film prepares for its international release, fans of Finnish culture and cinema are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to experience "100 Liters of Gold" on the big screen. With its unique blend of humor, pathos, and cultural commentary, the film is sure to resonate with audiences and leave a lasting impression.