Tove

Drama, 2020, Finland, Director: Zaida Bergroth, Producer: Andrea Reuter, Aleksi Bardy. Language: Swedish (Finnish, English, French) with English subtitles, 116 min
Helsinki, 1945. The end of the war brings a new sense of artistic and social freedom for painter Tove Jansson. Tove’s desire for liberty is put to the test when she meets theater director Vivica Bandler, and as she struggles with her personal life, her creative endeavors take her in an unexpected direction. While focusing her artistic dreams on her painting, the work that started as a side project, the melancholic, haunting tales she told scared children in bomb shelters, rapidly takes on a life of its own. The exploits of the Moomins, infused with inspiration from her own life, bring Tove international fame and financial freedom.

About the Film

Tove is a captivating drama about Tove Jansson, a Swedish-speaking Finnish author, novelist, painter, illustrator and comic strip author and beloved cultural icon who was the creator of the immensely popular book and comic-book series Moomins, familiar to readers around the globe.

The film broke box office records in Finland last year in spite of the pandemic and now ranks as the highest grossing Swedish-language Finnish film in the last 40 years.

Tove was recently announced as the Opening Night Film at the prestigious 44th Goteborg International Film Festival where it will also screen in competition for best Nordic film.

“Fizzing energy” – Variety
“Tove has great charm, craft and a warming glow” – Screendaily
“Engaging. An empathic portrait of young love” – The Hollywood Reporter