Finnish Films12_PMH.indd

F I N N I S H F E A T U R E F I L M S 2 0 1 2 | C H I L D R E N & Y O U T H
2
DCP, 35mm | Crop: 1:1,85 |
Dolby Digital 5.1. | 48’08’’ |
Released: September 16, 2011
Director: Juuso Syrjä
Script: Katri Manninen
Editing: Ilmari Hakkola, Juuso Syrjä
Sound design: Magnus Axberg
Music: Markus Koskinen,
Sampo Haapaniemi
Lead Animator: Janne Roivainen
Animation Dramaturg: Lauri Konttori
Illustrator: Antti Kemppainen
Animation Producer: Ilmari Hakkola
Cast: Antti Luusuaniemi, Malla
Malmivaara, Jarkko Tamminen,
Paleface, Olavi Uusivirta, Eero Ritala,
Laura Malmivaara, Marek Urbanski
Producer: Jesse Fryckman
Production company: Bronson Club
Production support: The Finnish Film
Foundation, ESEK – The Finnish
Performing Music Promotion Centre,
The Church Media Foundation
Financing TV companies: YLE
Distribution in Finland: Nordisk Film Oy
Ella & Alex – A Surprise Birthday Party
[ Ella & Aleksi – Yllätyssynttärit]
Ella and Alex are siblings who get caught up in many adventures with their dog, Inspector Dogson.
Whether at home, in the city or in the country, they’re always making new friends. Alex is
the precocious smarty and refl ective older brother who knows much about the world. Ella is the
curious and impulsive little sister, full of life and creative solutions. With the help of their imagination
the two can shrink and grow, understand the language of animals and even create a train
from thin air.
The kids help the quick-tempered MC Beetle to fi x his DJ gear, teach little Lenni the Seagull to
fl y and fi nd the lost inspiration of the fashion designer Carl the Crayfi sh. Later they’re off to make
magic soil with the soil dealing Mr Mole, aid the refugee Hely the Owl to fi nd a new home and fi nd
the lodestar in their back yard and help it back into the night sky. The adventures are accompanied
by songs sung by Ella and Alex.
Juuso Syrjä
Juuso Syrjä, an awarded director from Helsinki, Finland,
has directed over 400 commercials and music videos
around the globe. His clients include international brands
such as McDonald’s, Samsung, Nokia Siemens Networks,
Snickers, Polar Electro, Nokia, Citibank, Peugeot, Adidas
and Schweppes. Syrjä is also known for award-winning
music videos for such artists as Don Johnson Big Band,
Bomfunk MC’s, Darude and Fintelligens. Ella & Alex –
A Surprise Birthday Party is his fi rst animated feature fi lm.
DEBUT