LevelK Secures Global Rights for Alli Haapasalo’s ‘Tell Everyone’
Copenhagen-based sales company LevelK has acquired the global sales rights for the Finnish period drama Tell Everyone, directed by Alli Haapasalo. The film will be showcased at the Finnish Film Affair, an industry event held from September 24 to 26, 2023, in conjunction with the Helsinki International Film Festival – Love & Anarchy.
Set at the turn of the 20th century, Tell Everyone delves into themes of rebellion, belonging, and freedom, as seen through the eyes of women confined to Seili, a remote island sanatorium for those deemed “troublesome.” The narrative follows the journey of Amanda Aaltonen, a spirited young woman who arrives at Seili in 1898, claiming to have flown in from Paris by hot-air balloon. Driven by a desire to escape, Amanda begins to plot her departure, but along the way, she discovers the depths of true friendship, forbidden love, and the emotional toll of seeking acceptance.
As Amanda navigates the challenges of betrayal and madness, she is compelled to confront her deepest fears, ultimately facing a significant choice between freedom and acceptance. The film is produced by Teea Hyytiä for Helsinki-filmi, with a screenplay written by Katja Kallio. The project has received support from notable organizations, including the Finnish Film Foundation, YLE, SF Studios, Nordisk Film & TV Fond, the Finnish Film Impact Fund (FIFF), the West Finland Film Commission (WFFC), and the Church Media Foundation.
The film features a talented cast, including Marketta Tikkanen, known for her roles in Dual and The Unknown Soldier, alongside Jakob Öhrman of Rebecka Martinsson fame, Krista Kosonen from Helene and Tove, and Alma Pöysti, recognized from Four Little Adults and Fallen Leaves.
Prior to this project, Haapasalo gained recognition with her film Girl Picture, which was also represented internationally by LevelK. Girl Picture received acclaim at over 50 film festivals, including prestigious events in Berlin, Toronto, and Sundance, where it won the Audience Award in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition. Critically, Variety’s Jessica Kiang highlighted the film as “a refreshing spin on a familiar genre,” portraying an engaging and aspirational view of modern youth.
As anticipation builds for Tell Everyone, the film promises to capture the spirit of its time while addressing universal themes that resonate deeply with audiences today.
