The biographical film Tom of Finland, directed by Finnish director Dome Karukoski to tell the story of the artist’s extraordinary life. It is screening in Perth as part of the Scandinavian Film Festival.
The film depicts how after suffering from the trauma of WWII, Touko Laaksonen finds no peace at home in Finland, a country where homosexuality is illegal.
With the help of his sister, Touko finds work in an advertising agency, but becomes worn down by his inability to express his desires. So he spends his nights drawing his fantasies instead; men with strong jawlines, clad in uniform and – frequently – leather. The sketches eventually draw worldwide attention, though not without an escalating risk of persecution.
The artists distinctive work is now held in galleries around the world and is instantly recognisable both within and beyond the queer community.
The film is screening at Cinema Paradiso in Northbridge on July 26 and 30.
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