In 2018, it’s been 100 years since the Finnish Civil War. The war in Syria still continues. What if it were the opposite?

Synopsis

Amid a conflict that looks like the Finnish Civil War in 1918, peace-loving and naïve Viktor Stark helps his comrades while avoiding violence. However, the unjust death of his young friend drives him to crave revenge, leading Stark to execute an innocent soldier from the opposing side. As a Syrian couple watches a video of the execution, they reflect on how Finns are capable of such cruelty.

The film explores themes of morality, the human capacity for violence, and the cyclical nature of revenge. It examines how individuals navigate the fine line between personal values and the dehumanizing realities of war. By juxtaposing Finnish and Syrian civil wars, the story raises questions about cultural perspectives on violence and the universal struggle to retain humanity in the face of atrocity.

Festivals and screenings

– 2019 BAFTA Student Film Awards (Shortlisted)
– 2019 The Norwegian International Film Festival Haugesund (Official selection)
– 2019 Sedicicorto International Film Festival (Official selection)
– 2019 Movies on War Film Festival (Official selection)
– 2019 Tampere Film Festival (Official selection)

Yle Areena:
https://areena.yle.fi/1-4671887

IMDB:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9177818/

Harmaa susi (fin)
Grey Wolf (eng)

2018, Short, 20min
War / Drama
Language: Finnish / Arabic
Subtitled: English / Finnish

Viktor Stark: Matti Laine
Päällikkö: Tapio Liinoja
Lähetti: Miikka Ahonen
Jaakko: Kai Bäckström
Maryan: Hanan Sneih
Fadil: Simon Hussein al-Bazoon
Puukkomies: Jyrki Könnömäki
Voice: Jeremias Ruokoranta
The wolf: Future

Director: Topi Raulo
Screenplay: Hannes Mattila
Cinematography: Tomi Rislakki
Sound design: Joonatan Turkki
Composer: Elias Riipinen
Production design: Lotta Taarasti
Costume design: Siiri Sirviö
Editor: Nikke Bagge
Producer: Claudia Fleege

COPYRIGHT: Aalto University

DISTRIBUTION: Aalto University