Markku Pölönen’s latest film is starting its life on screen with a limited release, even though the story reaches deep into Finnish history. The film has been described as a Finnish Forrest Gump, and its central character, Aapo Heikkilä, was a real historical figure whose life is now being brought to cinema audiences.

The premiere was held at the University of Oulu, underlining the film’s connection to northern Finland and its domestic setting. According to HS, the movie will initially be screened only in Oulu and eastern Finland, with no wider rollout announced yet.

The limited launch suggests the film’s reception will be watched closely region by region. It also gives a lesser-known historical figure, Aapo Heikkilä, a new public profile through a feature film.