NEVER ALONE

Writer-director Klaus Härö and main actors Ville Virtanen, Nina Hukkinen, Kari Hietalahti, Rony Herman, and Naemi Latzer are available for interviews.

NEVER ALONE (Ei koskaan yksin) by writer-director Klaus Härö is celebrating its world premiere at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival 2024. The historical drama by the acclaimed Finnish filmmaker, known for Oscar®-shortlisted and Golden Globe- nominated® „The Fencer“ (2015) and “My Sailor, My Love” (2022), is opening the Baltic Film Competition on November 13th.

Based on true events, NEVER ALONE sheds light on the gripping story of Jewish refugees seeking safety in Finland during WWII. The film’s tragic unwavering hero risks everything to protect his community under growing Nazi influence.
Reflecting on courage, defiance, resilience, and the fight for hope amidst overwhelming adversity, NEVER ALONE is a thought-provoking film rescuing historic truth from oblivion in the light of rising extremism worldwide.

SYNOPSIS

As World War II’s shadow looms over Central Europe, many Jews escaping Hitler’s oppression seek refuge far from home, with some arriving in Finland, hoping for a new beginning. However, Finland’s alliance with Nazi Germany soon threatens this sanctuary. In Helsinki, Abraham Stiller, a prominent Jewish leader and philanthropist, emerges as a beacon of hope. He reassures the frightened refugees, „This is Finland, not Germany.“ Yet, the situation escalates when Jewish refugees are forcibly taken to labor camps near German forces in Northern Finland. Faced with this crisis, Stiller seeks help from Arno Anthoni, the new Chief of State Police, only to receive a dire warning that jeopardizes the entire Finnish Jewish community. Caught in a perilous mix of politics and loyalty, Stiller must navigate his personal emotions and strategic thinking. „Never Alone“ tells a tale of resilience and defiance, highlighting an unwavering commitment to protect one’s community against overwhelming odds.

Klaus Härö’s films have won more than seventy awards at international film festivals, including the prestigious Crystal Bear at the Berlin Film Festival for his debut film “Elina” in 2003. The film also won the Ingmar Bergman Award, chosen by the legendary director Bergman himself. His films have represented his country four times in the Oscars®. “The Fencer” (2015) was Oscar® shortlisted and nominated for a Golden Globe® in the Best Foreign Film category. In 2022, Härö made his English-language debut with the Irish-Finnish co-production “My Sailor, My Love”.

The main cast features Ville Virtanen, Nina Hukkinen, and Rony Herman.

NEVER ALONE is produced by Ilkka Matila of MRP Matila Röhr Productions Oy in co- production with Samsara Filmproduktion GmbH, Taska Film, Penned Pictures and Hobab, supported by Finnish Film Foundation, Austrian Filminstitute ÖFI, ÖFI+, ORF FFA, Estonian Film Institute, Swedish Film Institute, Film Estonia cash rebate, Estonian Cultural Endowement, Nordisk Film, Playmaker Munich, SVT, ARTE, NDR, Creative Europe / Media, Nordic Film & TV Fund, Barona Oy, Cyberdune Investment Oy, Konstsamfundet and Church’s Media Foundation.

World sales are handled by The Playmaker Munich. The domestic release is scheduled for 17 January 2025 through Nordisk Film.

85 min. / Finland, Austria, Estonia, Germany, Sweden 2024 / Feature

 

 

Production Company:
MRP Matila Röhr Production Oy
Ilkka Matila Elokuvatuottaja
Ilkka.matila@matilarohr.com

 

World Sales:
The Playmaker Munich
Moritz Hemminger
moritz.hemminger@playmaker.de
www.playmaker.de

©/CREDITS:

Stills: © MRP Matila Röhr Productions Oy