Laiska Hankala Mies | 2022

Kristiina Airas
Director,
One of the Screenwriters,
Production Designer

Laiska Hankala Mies – a short film about ADHD and substance abuse.

Directed by Kristiina Airas, Laiska Hankala Mies tells a dramatized story of a man struggling with ADHD and alcohol addiction, and his recovery. Special mention goes to the film’s outstanding music, composed by Lauri Salomaa, who also plays the lead role.

What is the film trying to convey, and why did this subject feel important to express through film? We asked the film’s director, Kristiina Airas.

— My goal is to show how music, visual elements, and voice-over narration can bring the protagonist’s inner world to life for the viewer. The protagonist’s thought process supports the overall narrative of the film.

The film is also a way for Airas to take a stance on certain issues.

— It is often assumed that happy endings in films are not possible in real life. With this film, I want to express the possibility of happy endings when the story is based on real events.

Written by Taina Pekkarinen