Songs of Utopia

The quartet formed by Pekka Aarnio, Monna Kamu, Martti Launis and Sinikka Sokka was a paradox. It was an impromptu tool of agitation and changing the world that has become a timeless classic. The quartet was the leading group of political song in Finland, but enjoyed astonishing popularity all over the world. It filled concert halls and even stadiums in Sweden, Germany, Soviet Union, Chile and Cuba. When the group’s album was released in Wes Germany, they were labeled the “Socialist Abba”. A documentary about Agit-Prop was a long-time dream of late Peter von Bagh. He started the project in the summer of 2014 with interviews of the quartet. Now, Jouko Aaltonen has finished the film in a time, when Songs about Utopia are once again topical and in demand.

Information

Original name Agit Prop - Lauluja utopiasta
Original language suomi
Subtitles englanti
Genre Documentary
Production year 2017
Production country Suomi
Running time 57 min
Trailer https://vimeo.com/236741044

Crew

Direction Jouko Aaltonen (also scriptwriter)
Peter von Bagh (also scriptwriter)
Performers Pekka Aarnio, Monna Kamu, Martti Launis, Sinikka Sokka, Eero Ojanen, Kiti Neuvonen, Anu Saari, Liisa Tavi, Reijo Frank, Kaj Chydenius
Cinematography Arto Kaivanto
Sound design Martti Turunen
Composer Agit Prop
Editing Tuuli Kuittinen
Translation Tiina Kinnunen
Producer Jouko Aaltonen, Illume Oy
Assistant editor Leo Suonikko
Color correction Antti Peltoranta
Production secretary Jenny Timonen
Production manager Marianne Mäkelä
Poster Jari Koski

Screenings and awards

Festivals

  • 31.08.2018 Red Carpet elokuvafestivaali
  • 07.03.2018 48th Tampere Film Festival 2018
  • 01.01.2017 Sodankylän elokuvajuhlat

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