The Twig Man "Risu-Ukko"

Sasu Kerman, born on May 9, 1980, is a renowned Finnish film director known for his diverse contributions to the world of cinema. His work spans feature films, documentaries, short films, music videos, and video art. Kerman's career, extending over two decades, is marked by creative storytelling and technical prowess.

Kerman began his film career in the late 1990s, directly with a feature film, such as "Hiljainen Kylätie" (Quiet Village Road, 1997), which was broadcast as a series on PTV (1998). Kerman won the Best Video Award at the TV4 competition with his short film "Curon." His early works laid the foundation for a prolific career characterized by the continuous exploration of various themes and narratives.

In 1999, Kerman directed the film "Green Sky" (Vihreä Taivas), which was selected as the official jury choice at the Hannover International Film Competition. This was followed by films "Cold Virgin" (Kylmä Neitsyt, 2000) and "Disastrous First Love" (2004), both of which cemented his growing reputation in the film industry. His next film, "On the Way to the Roadside" (2005), participated in the Ars Video Festival, demonstrating his ability to create impactful cinematic experiences.

Kerman's breakthrough came with the film "Breaking Statues" (2014), which received international recognition. The film was officially selected for the Chicago Blowup International Film Festival (2015) and won awards at several other festivals, including the International Open Film Festival (2015). His directorial skills received further acclaim when he won the Best Director Award at the Wipe Film Festival in Berlin (2016). The film was also screened at the Vilimit Film Festival (2014).

Kerman's documentary work is also significant. The film "Iron Man of the North" (2017) won the Best Director Award at the Berlin Wipe Festival and was screened at the Sodankylä Film Festival in 2018.

Quotation from Sodankylä's official film catalog:
"Sasu Kerman's award-winning short documentary 'Iron Man of the North' may well be the most memorable and bizarre film of this year's festival. The work, filmed in 2015-2016, features visual artist Caspar Corander as its main character. This man stopped working about ten years ago and moved to live as a hermit in a small remote village. He does not interact with people, but in nature, Corander is able to form a deep connection with his surroundings and our Kalevala past. The documentary explores the man's isolated life, letting it speak for itself. Corander does not hold back his opinions, and the character portrait grows into a stunning journey into his thoughts and personality. Throughout the film, the director also offers visually unforgettable images of the rural north and the rugged beauty of remote areas. 'Iron Man of the North' is a film full of raw charisma and countercultural power. It forms a hilarious and unique picture of individual freedom at its extreme and a respectful crystallization of a life that has become a work of art in itself." (TET)

His documentaries "Journey to the Light" (2004), focusing on artist Caspar Corander, and "Northern Dreams" (2006) were selected for several

international festivals, showcasing his ability to capture real stories with depth and sensitivity.

In recent years, Kerman has continued to innovate with projects like "The Dollhouse" (Nukketalo, 2024), "Stick Man" (Risu-ukko, 2024), and the post-production film "Once Upon a Time Kyllikki" (Olipa Kerran Kyllikki, 2024).

His upcoming documentary "Journey Through Dreams" (2024, in production) is eagerly awaited by the film community. Kerman's contributions extend beyond cinema to music videos and video art, with notable works for artists like Jarkko Kinnunen and the band Aavikko. His artistic works have been featured in several exhibitions, including the art collections of Karkkila city and Gallery Uusi Kipinä in Lahti.

Throughout his career, Kerman has received numerous grants and awards, including several from TAIKE, SKR, and the Young Finland grants for his projects. His dedication to his craft and ability to captivate his audience with powerful storytelling have made him a significant figure in contemporary cinema.

Testimonials:

Jussi Award-winning film editor Benjamin Mercer:

"There are not many filmmakers outside the metropolitan area to compare with. Sasu has successfully written, directed, and produced two original indie theater films. His storytelling style fits excellently between mainstream cinema offerings and imaginative art films—strong, fearless, and original, yet appealing to the viewer. The biggest investment in the film 'Once Upon a Time Kyllikki' is already behind, but the absolutely essential post-production phase for completing the film needs support. As a film editor (notably for 'The Unknown Soldier' and 'Helene'), I know well the demands of post-production: both the costs and the time, but equally its importance in the difference between a great and a poor film. A working grant will help Kerman achieve an excellent final result. I believe he knows how to allocate the funds correctly. Based on the material I've seen, 'Once Upon a Time Kyllikki' will be true to Kerman's style. The difference from his previous productions lies in the subject matter. Sasu has the opportunity to reach a wide audience. Finnish film offerings have long walked a safe middle road. The importance of this project for film art lies precisely in the fact that it does not follow the middle road."

Writer Antti Heikkinen:

"From an outsider's perspective on the film project, writer Antti Heikkinen: 'There are many so-called independent filmmakers in Finland. Some have gained visibility and even national distribution for their films more than others, even though these visible films—usually plagiarizing some hit comedy—are not always of very high quality. I am an enthusiast of films and am quite well-versed in the genre of independently produced films. I dare say that Sasu Kerman is at the top of his class. Sasu Kerman has meticulously delved into the story of Kyllikki Saari, meaning the groundwork and script are extraordinarily carefully and thoroughly done. I particularly respect that he has contacted Kyllikki Saari's relatives and found an astonishingly fresh approach to a thoroughly familiar subject. Kerman approaches his work with admirable passion and giving it his all. I have seen the finished material, and it is a tremendous shame if this particular film on this subject does not get completed. 'Once Upon a Time Kyllikki' is shaping up to be a work of high artistic quality.'”