Steam of Life

Finnish men cry after all, as we see in DocPoint’s opening film Steam of Life. It is a delicate cross-section – a series of different, yet at heart similar stories about the most important things in life, its tragedies and even its joys. The importance of family is emphasised in the stories gathered from all corners of Finland. Losing someone close to you one way or another is the worst thing a man can encounter.

The sauna acts as a catalyst that makes a man open up to another. Body and soul are cleansed at the same time. Sauna rituals, such as vihta, löyly and beer, create an atmosphere conducive to pooling personal concerns.

Vast nature shots merge effortlessly with the narrators’ states of mind. Steam of Life presents Finnish men’s cry for help, but at the same time a hopeful release, a way out from loneliness and introversion. As long as there is someone who listens, there is hope.

Mikko I. Elo | Translation by Anna Volmari