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Interview with Claes Olsson (Director) What did you like about the idea of making a historical movie? The film is based on a famous novel by the Finnish writer Lars Sund. The story of the film and its main character Dollar-Hanna is closely linked to the history of Finland in the beginning of the 20th century, especially that of Ostrbotnia, the region of Western Coast. Why did you choose to tell the story of a woman? In the region of Ostrobotnia there is a tradition of strong and independent women.Dollar-Hanna had a dream which she succeed to realize, that is also interesting. Would you describe Colorado Avenue as a saga? Yes, in the sense that it covers the life of three generations. Hanna travels to America and makes a fortune there. Do you believe there were more freedom and business opportunities in America than in Finland? How was Finland at this time? In the end of the 19th century and in the beginning of the 20th century there was a strong emigration from Finland to America, because the conditions were very poor here. America was considered to be the Eldorado. Why does Hanna return to Finland rather than staying in America? Hanna's husband is shot in Colorado during a protest march for an 8 hour workday for the miners. Hanna wanted also to show to the people of her home village that she has succeeded in making a small fortune in America. |
