The first image from the anticipated film adaptation of Finnish Moomin series author Tove Jansson’s beloved Nordic adult fiction classic, The Summer Book, featuring eight-time Academy Award nominee Glenn Close (Fatal Attraction, 101 Dalmatians) and debuting actress Emily Matthews, has been revealed. The film is set to have its world premiere at the 68th BFI Film Festivalthis October.
The Summer Book was originally published in 1972. It tells the story of an elderly artist (Glenn Close) and her six-year-old granddaughter Sophia (Emily Matthews) who spend the summer together on a tiny island in the Gulf of Finland. As the two learn to adjust to each other’s fears, whims, and yearnings, a fierce yet understated love emerges – one that encompasses not only the summer inhabitants, but the very island itself.
Director Charlie McDowell (Windfall, The One I Love) reveals his personal connection to the project, sharing that Tove Jansson’s book holds a special place in his heart, as he is a fan of the Moomin series.
Advertisement
“I’m deeply honoured to be adapting one of my favourite novels, Tove Jansson’s The Summer Book, and to film in Finland, the beautiful country in which this story is based. It’s long been a dream of mine to work with Glenn Close. I’ve long admired her thoughtfulness, immense versatility, and deeply captivating presence both on the stage and on screen. I first discovered Anders Danielsen Lie from his brilliant collaborations with Joachim Trier and he’s quickly become one of my favorite actors out of Scandinavia. I can’t imagine a more magnificent duo to collaborate with on this film.”
Charlie McDowell, Director
In addition to the main roles portrayed by Glenn Close and Emily Matthews, The Summer Book also features Norwegian star actor Anders Danielsen Lie (The Worst Person in the World, Oslo August 31st), as the father of Sophia. Danielsen Lie is especially known for his long time collaboration with acclaimed Norwegian director Joachim Trier (The Worst Person in the World, Oslo August 31st).
Shot in the archipelago on the south coast of Finland, the film is set for local release in Finland on January 31, 2025.
“The Summer Book is dear to many readers around the world, and it holds a very special place in my heart. Every word of it ushers in vivid childhood memories of my beloved grandmother – her voice, her way of relating to and moving around the island. Seeing that story finally come alive on the big screen will be fantastic and moving on a deeply personal level.”
Sophia Jansson, Tove Jansson’s niece
Tove Jansson’s niece, Sophia Jansson, reveals the personal significance of The Summer Book to her:
The Team
Maincast: Glenn Close, Emily Matthews, Anders Danielsen Lie Director: Charlie McDowell Screenwriter: Robert Jones Producers: Charlie McDowell, Alex Orlovsky, Aleksi Bardy, Kevin Loader, Duncan Montgomery, Kath Mattock Executive Producers: Jack Selby, Arthur Farache, Victoria Castelli, Lily Collins Production Company: Case Study Film Co-producers: Helsinki Filmi, Free Range Films, High Frequency Entertainment.
This post/page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For details, visit our Affiliate Disclosure page.
The first image from the anticipated film adaptation of Finnish Moomin series author Tove Jansson’s beloved Nordic adult fiction classic, The Summer Book, featuring eight-time Academy Award nominee Glenn Close (Fatal Attraction, 101 Dalmatians) and debuting actress Emily Matthews, has been revealed. The film is set to have its world premiere at the 68th BFI Film Festival this October.
The Summer Book was originally published in 1972. It tells the story of an elderly artist (Glenn Close) and her six-year-old granddaughter Sophia (Emily Matthews) who spend the summer together on a tiny island in the Gulf of Finland. As the two learn to adjust to each other’s fears, whims, and yearnings, a fierce yet understated love emerges – one that encompasses not only the summer inhabitants, but the very island itself.
Director Charlie McDowell (Windfall, The One I Love) reveals his personal connection to the project, sharing that Tove Jansson’s book holds a special place in his heart, as he is a fan of the Moomin series.
Advertisement
In addition to the main roles portrayed by Glenn Close and Emily Matthews, The Summer Book also features Norwegian star actor Anders Danielsen Lie (The Worst Person in the World, Oslo August 31st), as the father of Sophia. Danielsen Lie is especially known for his long time collaboration with acclaimed Norwegian director Joachim Trier (The Worst Person in the World, Oslo August 31st).
Shot in the archipelago on the south coast of Finland, the film is set for local release in Finland on January 31, 2025.
The Dividend Tracker: Keep All Your Investments in One Place
Tove Jansson’s niece, Sophia Jansson, reveals the personal significance of The Summer Book to her:
The Team
Main cast: Glenn Close, Emily Matthews, Anders Danielsen Lie Director: Charlie McDowell Screenwriter: Robert Jones Producers: Charlie McDowell, Alex Orlovsky, Aleksi Bardy, Kevin Loader, Duncan Montgomery, Kath Mattock Executive Producers: Jack Selby, Arthur Farache, Victoria Castelli, Lily Collins Production Company: Case Study Film Co-producers: Helsinki Filmi, Free Range Films, High Frequency Entertainment.
See the full cast & crew here.
The Summer Book is published by Sort of Books in English and in its original language, Swedish, by Förlaget in Finland.
Advertisement
Source: Tove Jansson / tovejansson.com Cover photo: Roxana Reiss
Advertisement
This post/page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For details, visit our Affiliate Disclosure page.
Share this:
Like this:
Discover more from Nordic Widescreen
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.