Documentary film about Arndt Pekurinen and the peace movement in the early 20th century. Pekurinen spoke out for pacifism, conscientious objection and peace, and received support for his actions around the world. However, his worldview collided with the nationalist and militaristic atmosphere of the era in Finland. He was considered a troublemaker, a traitor, and a caricature of masculinity. The film is a universal and timeless account of a man persecuted for his opinions. At the same time, it is a description of the weak tolerance of young independent Finland towards dissidents. Pekurinen was executed during the Continuation War by his compatriots on November 5, 1941.
Direction
Suhonen turns dry archives into intimate, haunted memoir.
Acting
Voice cast breathes fragile life into century-old letters.
Writing
Refuses easy hero worship — shows Pekurinen's isolation honestly.
Director
Ville Suhonen
Joonas Saartamo
Arndt Pekurinen (voice)
Elena Leeve
Säde Pekurinen (voice)
Vilma Melasniemi
Aleksandra Pekurinen (voice)
Olavi Uusivirta
Aarne Selinheimo / Aito Alsi (voice)
Lauri Tilkanen
Tauno Tapanainen / Kaarlo Kinnunen (voice)
Hannu-Pekka Björkman
Ilmari Talvitie (voice)
Taisto Oksanen
Freedy Kekäläinen (voice)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Pekurinen's conviction was posthumously overturned in 2020 — 79 years after his execution, and only after public pressure.
The film sparked renewed debate in Finland about mandatory military service, which still exists and still punishes conscientious objectors with 'civilian service' prison alternatives.
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