Interview with Joonas Saartamo
 |
Return to One-Way Ticket to Mombasa Interview with Joonas Saartamo (Jusa) How did you prepare for the character? I met some real cancer patients and had the chance to talk with them about how you feel physically and mentally during the time that you are sick. I used a hoodie the whole summer so I didn't get any sun; people thought around the city that I was a junkie. Then I took some weight off, maybe something like 6-7 kg. Of course, the other main actor and I rehearsed some of the scenes and got to know each other. Why Mombasa on the film having outstanding beaches in Europe (France, Italy, Greece)? Was there any special reason for it? According to the director, Mombasa has far-off representations and is exotic enough to be the paradise Jusa wants - Riviera was just not enough. The film's title song is also about Mombasa and it fulfills people's dreams with its eroticism and love. What do you think is the message the film wants to put across? Everybody who's blessed with a life should enjoy it! Especially if you are born in circumstances where you are healthy and can choose what to do - look around you and see all the beauty around us. We don't know when we'll die and especially, like in Jusa's case, if you still can find a reason to live, that's where I've got to give the biggest respect. Don't stress, remember to take it easy, live it up and follow your dreams! What do you think Finnish cinema stands for from the rest of European cinema? I think it's lifting its head up. There are more filmmakers and the ways to make films are spreading. All of a sudden, almost anybody can become a moviemaker because of the internet. Kaurismäki has shown that if you really believe in your own style, you can come from a small country. The locations are so special here that I think that explains why more movie makers are coming this way. Are you involved in any filming projects at the moment? Can you tell us something about them? Like I said, we just finished shooting and the film is coming out in December. Earlier this year came out another one where I played a football fanatic, it's called: Fanatics (2012). I' m not sure if it's still in movie theaters. |