Past event
The Kidnapping of a President
About the event
In 1930, Lieutenant Eero accidentally gives the order to kidnap Finnish President Ståhlberg. This hilarious film shows the escalating consequences of his drunken action, carried out by bumbling accomplices. Showing at De Balie Amsterdam. A drunken kidnapping
Finland, 1930. Lieutenant Eero is passed over for promotion again and decides to 'celebrate' with too much drink. The next morning, to his horror, he discovers that, without any memory, he ordered the kidnapping of Finland's first president, Ståhlberg.
Hilarious chaos
The bizarre plan is carried out by a group of hopelessly clumsy accomplices. The situation immediately spirals completely out of control when Ståhlberg’s stubborn wife, Ester, also ends up in the back of the car. What follows is a hilarious and ever-escalating series of events.
Based on true facts
This film is based on true, bizarre facts from Finnish history. It is a black comedy that makes you laugh while simultaneously offering food for thought regarding the sometimes absurd aspects of life and history.
Cast and crew
Director Samuli Valkama brings this story to life with a cast including Jussi Vatanen, Aku Sipola, Pertti Sveholm, Riitta Havukainen and Elias Salonen. The film lasts 84 minutes and is in Finnish. Are you interested? Use the link for tickets.
