Interview with Pekka Strang

Welcome to Pekka Strang, one of the actors in The Summer Book. Can you introduce the role of Mr. Malander that you play in The Summer Book? What is the plot of the film?

There is not much to say about my character Mr Malander. Quite an ordinary family guy from the 1970´s. He wants to blend in with the people in the archipelago although he has no background or knowledge about that sort of life. The film in itself is very beautiful both estethically and storywise. It’s a portayal of a young girl and her father who are grieving the loss of the mother. The wise grandmother challenges and accepts the girl and life just as it is.

Glenn Close is also in the cast of the film. Do you have any anecdotes to share, anything that amused you, or anything you can share about what went on behind the scenes of The Summer Book?

I had the privilege to act in a couple of scenes with her. It was of course an honour. What struck me was the relationship they had with Emily Matthews who played the girl. I think the essence of acting is how we interact with each other. Both outside and inside the frame.

You are not only an actor but also a producer. What prompted you to produce the comedy Death is a Problem for the Living?

Me and Jari Virman, my colleague and friend, were both executive producers. I’m glad that we had such an arrangement with It’s Alive Films. It was a way to share the risk and also a way to get shooting faster and not stay stand by while waiting for all the financial stuff to clear.

Who is Risto Kivi, the character you play in Death is a Problem for the Living, and who is Pekka Strang in everyday life?

 Risto Kivi is a herse driver with a gambling addiction. On the verge of loosing everything he clings on to a desperate plan. He ends up facing himself and his life with complete honesty. When the movie ends something new has begun.

Myself in everyday life is a 48 year old Finnish actor and former artistic director of a theatre called Lilla Teatern. A theatre that actually Dario Fo visited a couple of times. But for the last 12 years I’ve been a freelance actor. When I’m not working, I’m out walking with my dog and coming up with different ideas and concepts for movies or tv-series. Or just on the phone with my friends talking about important, and more often, not so important things.

The Summer Book is a drama that tells the story of a granddaughter and her grandmother who find themselves on a small island in Finland. Finnish cinema has a great tradition and can count on unique landscapes. How important is the tradition of a place in the current cinematic context for you?

I haven’t really thought about that. For the acting it is essential how the place feels, so in that sense it’s truly important. 

Streaming has made distant cultures accessible to many in total comfort, but there is debate about whether it has taken something away from great cinema. However, a well-made film is always good cinema. How do you rate the streaming experience and the cinematic evolution that made it possible?

I watch a lot of movies at home. I’m more of a story and acting focused person. But everytime I see a visually splendid movie I feel I miss something if I’m streaming it. Then again we also tend to sometimes make movies that looks like tv. I think both genres will prevail.

What are Pekka Strang's next projects, as an actor or producer?

I have a few ideas that I’m trying to push forward at the moment. I have found a really nice production company to work together with and now it seems all I have to do is write. I’ve written different things for myself all my life, but never systematically sat down to produce something concrete. Let’s see how it works out. As an actor I’ll start shooting a new series next week. It’s for our national broadcasting company. It involves a lot of new talent and I’m happy to be asked to join them.