The story of the film is told through tales that are based around the myths, legends and old beliefs that are part of the Finnish mythology. There are two narrative voices in the story, one male and one female. The female voice also the first-person narrator, who is the main character of the story, is the daughter of Ahti and Vellamo, the god and goddess of the sea. She is Ahitar, the maiden of water. This sea maiden is a spirit born in a spring who has her own tale in the Finnish mythology. (This narrator is personified in the story, and she is not to be confused with the mermaids, characters commonly found in many stories and fairy tales.) There are five acts in the story, and the different times of year follow the different acts. The speak text recounts the history of the Finnish lakes spanning over thousands of years, and introduces its animals, sights and miracles.
What's On
Whispers in the Woods Le chant des forêts
Vincent Munier
Friday, 19. 06. 2026 / 16:50 / Main Hall
Following his film The Velvet Queen, in which he searched the Tibetan highlands for the elusive big cat, nature photographer Vincent Munier now invites us on an intimate journey to his native Vosges Mountains. Together with him, we will immerse ourselves in the sounds, textures, and scents of ancient forests. The film won the César Award for Best Documentary.
If You Are Afraid You Put Your Heart into Your Mouth and Smile Wenn du Angst hast nimmst du dein Herz in den Mund und lächelst
Marie Luise Lehner
Friday, 19. 06. 2026 / 19:00 / Main Hall
This film explores class differences, belonging, human closeness, and the search for identity – from shame to pride. It is a radically tender coming-of-age story accompanied by a wealth of fresh, alternative music.