Award-winning film The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki will open in Irish cinemas from April 21st.
A warm-hearted drama laced with moments of low-key humour and stylish cinematography, The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki tells the true story of Olli Mäki, the famous Finnish boxer who had a shot at the 1962 World Featherweight title.
Immensely talented and equally modest, Olli Maki’s small-town life is transformed when he is swept into national stardom and suddenly regarded as a symbol of his country. There’s only one problem: Olli has just fallen in love. Inside of the ring, it’s Finland vs. the USA, but outside, boxing and romance become unlikely adversaries vying for Olli’s attention.
This charming feature is the debut from Helsinki-based director Juho Kuosmanen. His previous short films have won several prizes in prominent festivals including the Cannes Film Festival’s Cinéfondation section and Locarno.
The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki was the winner of the prestigious ‘Un Certain Regard’ at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival and Finland’s official entry for the 2017 Oscars®. It has screened at over twenty film festivals so far and continues to pick up awards across the Globe. It has already charmed Irish audiences at the Audi Dublin International Film Festival in February.
The film opens at the Irish Film Institute and Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray from Friday, April 21st, before screening at other locations nationally.
Full listings at www.accesscinema.ie