On November 17, Scandinavia House presents a special screening and director talk featuring Finland's official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards: the absurd, warm-hearted dystopian drama The Squirrel. Director Markus Lehmusruusu will be present for a film talk and Q&A. In the far future, in a sterile, frictionless world without nature or animals – Pasi, a lonely, compassionate designer of synthetic pets, stumbles upon the last surviving squirrel by chance. He decides to defy the very strict regulations of interaction with what little nature is left in the world and help ease the squirrel back into its natural habitat. However, when his actions lead to unexpected consequences, Pasi is confronted with a profound dilemma: should he venture into the wild with the squirrel or jeopardize the safety of his fragile, tightly-regulated world to keep the squirrel by his side?
Scandinavia House: The Nordic Center in America is the leading center for Nordic culture in the United States. It offers a wide range of programs that illuminate the culture and vitality of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Scandinavia House offerings include diverse exhibitions and film series, as well as concerts and other performances, readings, lectures, symposia, language courses, and children’s activities.