Switzerland, Japan Sing Along to Rise and Shine-Sold ‘Karaoke Paradise’ (EXCLUSIVE)

variety.com:

Marta Balaga Switzerland’s SRF and Japanese broadcaster NHK have acquired Rise and Shine’s crowdpleaser “Karaoke Paradise.” Directed by Einari Paakkanen and produced by Marianne Mäkelä and Liisa Karpo for Napafilms, it premiered at CPH:DOX and was recently shortlisted for the Best Documentary Award at the European Film Awards. “It’s one of those rare films that casts a warmhearted look into the soul of its characters, maybe even into the soul of a nation.

Finns don’t talk. They sing karaoke,” says Rise and Shine’s managing director Stefan Kloos, calling it “one of the masterpieces of that dry Finnish humor we all love.” “It’s uplifting while tackling an important issue that we can all relate to: how to find happiness.” Listening to songs and stories of those who find refuge on stage, including Finland’s most experienced karaoke hostess, Paakkanen continues to come close to his protagonists.

Suffering from illnesses, debilitating shyness or reeling after the loss of a child. “Where I grew up, opening up or talking about one’s emotions wasn’t really encouraged or taught, so it might be the reason why I’m curious about intimate stories,” he notes.

In his 2016 debut feature “My Father From Sirius” the Finnish helmer pointed the camera at his own family. Especially his father, who claimed he could communicate with aliens. “There isn’t enough time to live all the lives I would have wanted to.