One of the standout films that just held its World Premiere at the South by Southwest Film Festival (SXSW) is the Finnish movie The Blind Man Who Did Not Want to See Titanic. One of the most intriguing and unique films at the festival, it is described as part thriller, part love story and features a highly acclaimed performance from blind, wheelchair-using actor Petri Poikolainen in his feature film debut. It's screening at SXSW through March 18 and you can watch the trailer for the film below.
The Blind Man Who Did Not Want to See Titanic is written and directed by Teemu Nikki and produced by Nikki and Jani Pösö. It stars Petri Poikolainen, Marjaana Maijala, Samuli Jaskio, Rami Rusinen, Hannamaija Nikander, and Matti Onnismaa. You can read the official synopsis below.
"Jaakko is blind and disabled, tethered to his wheelchair. The brightest moments in his day are those on the phone with Sirpa, the woman he loves even though they’ve never met in person. When Sirpa gets difficult news, Jaakko decides he must go to her immediately, even if none of his usual caretakers can accompany him. After all, he only needs the help of five kind strangers in five specific places between home and her...what could go wrong?"
Making The Blind Man Who Did Not Want to See Titanic Was a Dream Come True for Lead Actor Petri Poikolainen
Petri Poikolainen was born in Pieksämäki and graduated from Helsinki's Theater Academy in 2000. After graduating, he worked at the Seinäjoki Theatre from 2001-04. He also worked at the Helsinki City Theater, KOM Theater, Teatteri Eurooppa Nelja, and several television shows. The Blind Man Who Did Not Want to See Titanic is a dream come true for Petri, who was forced to go on disability pension in 2013 due to complications from multiple sclerosis. This is his first lead role in a feature film.
The writer-director, Teemu Nikki, is a prolific self-educated, award-winning filmmaker and son of a pig farmer from Sysmä, Finland. The Blind Man Who Did Not Want to See Titanic is Nikki's fifth feature film. He has also directed over 20 short films, which have gained recognition at film festivals all over the world, as well as three popular TV series. Together with Jani Pösö, he runs It's Alive Films, one of the most active production companies in Finland. Nikki's style is best described as a good-willed yet unapologetic political satire of humanity. As noted in the press release for this film, he has never seen the movie Titanic.
The Blind Man Who Did Not Want to See Titanic does not yet have a wide release date but will be screening at SXSW through March 18 after making its World Premiere on Saturday. So far, its early reviews have netted the feature a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. You can find out more about the film festival, which has showcased many other exciting and acclaimed titles, at SXSW.com.