Backwood Philosopher is based on Veikko Huovinen’s classic novel Havukka-Ahon ajattelija.
Konsta Pylkkänen (Kai Lehtinen) is an endlessly curious dreamer by nature. He may unexpectedly delve into solving the world’s small and large riddles, from the function of a tapeworm to the dimensions of space. Because of his original thoughts, Pylkkä has quite a reputation in the village of Kainuu, where the influences of the modern world are only slowly making their way. When Pylkkänen gets a job as assistant to Master Ojasto (Hannu-Pekka Björkman) and Master Kronberg (Tommi Korpela), he gets to observe the scientists, natural scientists and holders of technical secrets that he admires from a close distance. Through surprising coincidences, Pylkkänen himself ends up being the key factor in a scientific breakthrough. Due to his special nature, Pylkkänen attracts master Kronberg’s attention. This tough interlocutor seems to have a dark past, about which many know rumors but few know the truth. And even Pylkkänen, who didn’t like pranks, doesn’t have an easy time making new friends, because before Helsinki’s “licensees” can get home from the raven lands, they have to visit the house of the Laugher of Death. Veikko Huovinen’s original work Havukka-ahon ajattelija, published in 1952 and becoming a favorite of the whole nation, is one of our most loved and most read domestic novels. The new film version was filmed under the direction of Kari Väänänen in the scenic landscapes of Kainuu, Puolanka and Kuhmo. Veikko Huovinen received the title of professor in November 1999 for his long-term work with Finnish literature and culture. Backwood Philosopher premiered on January 15, 2010. The film is produced by MRP Matila Röhr Productions and distributed by Nordisk Film.
