A
trailblazing figure in post-World War II erotic art, Touko Laaksonen drew
thousands of fantasy-filled, homoerotic images of intensely masculine (and
muscular) men, often liberated from the moral codes of their times. Quickly
spreading throughout the world, these images went on to play a significant role
in the transnational gay liberation movement that continues to make strides to
this day, also becoming iconic symbols for generations of LGBT people
worldwide.
Dome
Karukoski’s TOM OF FINLAND is set to have its North American premiere at the
upcoming Tribeca Film festival, after a world premiere at the Goteborg Film Festival
in February. It’s also in high demand among LGBTQ U.S. festivals. The film’s world
premiere was followed by a release in its home territory, where TOM OF FINLAND has
taken close to $1m at the local box office.
The
deal was negotiated between head of worldwide sales Vanessa Saal for
Protagonist Pictures and Kino Lorber CEO Richard Lorber.
‘Touko
Laaksonen dared to draw and give life to his most daring and transgressive
fantasies, and by doing so, inspired an entire generation of LGBT people to
also live and desire freely,” said Richard Lorber. “Dome Karukoski’s film
captures the man, as well as his milieu, in an incredibly cinematic and
powerful way, so we’re very proud to be bringing TOM OF FINLAND to North
American audiences this year.”
Vanessa
Saal of Protagonist added; “We are so pleased the film has found such a good
home for North America. Kino Lorber handpicks and nurtures each of its titles.
Their enthusiasm is contagious, and we know they will spread TOM OF FINLAND
love across America.”
