Finnish and Saami with English subtitles

14A - Advisories: Coarse Language, Nudity and Mature Subject Matter

From the rusted interior of an old camper, the hiss and crackle of a wood-fired stove serves as background noise while two men sit naked in the steam, sharing their innermost thoughts and feelings over a bottle of akvavit. In the almost dreamlike environment of a steam-filled sauna, Finnish men from all walks of life make uncensored and unguarded revelations about love, death, heartbreak and life—as if the steam and conversation will cleanse their souls. This intimate, beautifully shot film is so honest, and the vulnerability of its characters so sincere, that at times the audience is thrust into the role of uncomfortable voyeur. STEAM OF LIFE is part of our spotlight on Finland this year, alongside THE LIVING ROOM OF THE NATION and FREETIME MACHOS—with each film providing a very intimate and unpredictable glimpse into the fabled Nordic angst. Watch for the answer to an age old question: How many Santas can fit comfortably into a sauna.

BDG