Producing Adults

Colour, 35 mm
Finland, Sweden, 2004, 100 min
Section: Another View

Synopsis

Venla works as a psychologist at a fertility clinic where they perform artificial insemination. She is very much aware that the decision to have a child is so important that both partners should agree. Nevertheless, she herself would like to become pregnant without consulting her boyfriend. Venla’s dream of having a family persists, as does the temptation to select her own suitable sperm donor. While at times Mother Nature can be given a helping hand, it is unwise to make a fool of her. What is compelling about Salmenperä’s debut, a blend of comedy and drama, is that it doesn’t separate characters into rogues and victims, but sees the argument from both sides. It not only adds its own contribution to the discussion on motherhood, but also offers an interesting slant on relationships between the sexes today, and on love from a more universal standpoint. The film was screened at the Toronto IFF.

About the director

Aleksi Salmenperä (b. 1973) began studies in architecture at Helsinki’s University of Technology (1992-96). Then, having decided on a career in direction and screenwriting, he transferred to the department of film and TV at the University of Art and Design in Helsinki, where he graduated in 2003. During his studies he shot several short films, including the award-winning Ferry-Go-Around (Onnenpeli 2001, 2001). He has also worked in television (e.g. the series "Free Fall," 2001, and "The Road to Eden," 2003). Producing Adults is his feature debut.