finnish american documentary

TB NEWS WATCH

TB NEWS WATCH |

THUNDER BAY, ON, CANADA

Sep 18, 2016 4:51 PM by: Nicole Dixon

THUNDER BAY -- SISU, is a Finnish story about having the courage, strength, and perseverance to conquer tragedy and rise above misfortune.

In 2011, filmmaker Marko Albrecht began producing a documentary that would honour the legacy of his late mother Päivi, his Finnish-American family and the Finnish mindset of SISU, a special strength and persistent determination of overcoming hard times.

“I started making this documentary to show my twins where I came from, and to leave a legacy of my mother who passed away when I was 16-years-old,” Albrecht said. 

“I wanted to show my kids who my mother was, what it meant to be Finnish-American, and what SISU means.”

Shortly after Albrecht began planning the film his mother’s only surviving brother Heikki informed the family that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was told he only had six months to live, which left his family feeling shocked and devastated.

Heikki survived for the next three years, and Albrecht’s documentary changed directions as it documented the family’s voyage with Heikki, and how he dealt with the issues over that time.

The 36-year-old said at first the documentary was going to be geared toward his family’s interpretation of SISU, but as they were going through the adversity his family realized how important SISU was going to be during this time. 

“To me SISU was the tie that bonded us all together through the process of grieving and tragedy, and with my uncle as well he was the king of our family that’s what we called him, the king,” Albrecht said. 

“To see him deal with his own issues with SISU in the way he did I think it brought us all to a level of understanding of death, life and faith.”

Originally SISU was going to be a small montage to show Albrecht’s kids at dinner, but then it became a more complex story of life, death, and the Finnish community.

He said even though his family went through a few tragedies, their legacy lives on in the film, and the meaning of SISU is inspiring other’s with their own tragedies in a sense.

“Seeing the documentary now, watching him go through his final year, it hurts,” he said. 

“Over time you watch it it’s like reopening the scab, but I think personally I’ve been working with it for so long I feel like I had extra time spent with my family.”

Albrecht hopes the documentary inspires people to live every day like it’s their last, approach life with a sense of purpose and give back and appreciate your family.

Wow.

"WOW.

What a beautiful documentary and story of family, grit, loss, and love.

It is so evident how you've poured your life and everything into making this film and I know this is going to bless your children and your children's children.

I'm inspired by your work and touched by your passion for family.

You've captured a gem of an emotional rollercoaster that will be timeless for generations to come!

Well done."

Jimmy L.

"Thank you for sharing your beautiful film"

Hi Marko,

I watched the screening of Sisu yesterday at Finn Fest. I just wanted to say that you did a great job telling your family's story.

I wasn't very close to my extended family growing up. I only saw my grandparents, cousins, etc, a couple times a year. Your film reminded me of the importance of a strong family structure and support system.

I am hoping I can provide a better support system for my son than what was offered to me.

Thank you again for sharing your beautiful film.

 

- Emily W.

"Thank you so much for making the film."

Terve!  I am the woman you met outside Kleinhans Music Hall after I purchased your poster and video at Finnfest Buffalo.  Regretfully, we didnt have much time to speak then.  First, let me commend you on your film, SISU.  I so enjoyed it and am very glad I made the purchase. 

As a 16 year old, I was very fortunate to live in Lahti, Finland for a year as a high school exchange student.  Truly the best year of my life!  It was there that I first learned of Sisu. 

I have tried to keep the sentiment close in all that life has challenged me with since then.  Most notably, the death of my husband.  He died Dec 20, 1998 just 6 weeks after our daughter's 7th birthday.  It was during the experience of grieving and coping and adjusting that I tried to instill in her the concept of Sisu. 

I will always be grateful for the Finns for bringing that lesson into my life.  In fact, my daughter and I now have matching tattoos of Sisu!!!

Thank you so much for making the film.  I hope many treat themselves to the viewing experience and take heart of all the lessons it has to offer! 

Kiitoskia!!!!

- Allison A.

SISUfilm.org in City Magazine

SISUfilm.org in City Magazine

FINNISH AMERICAN DOCUMENTARY REVEALS the deepest essence of SISU. Marko Albrecht produced the Finnish sisu personal documentary, which tells of life, death and family.