Poster © G.R.
GOLDEN PENDANT (2024)
WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY JOUNI UOTINEN CAST IINA SIHVONEN, HENNA-MAIJA ALITALO, RAIMO VIITANEN, TAINA SAVIMÄKI, ELEA LEHTONEN, JANNE RITA, VANAJAN SUDET, VANAJAN MIEKKAILUKAARTI
Dorotea receives a mystical golden pendant as a child, and as she grows up,
it leads her on an adventure. A short film about courage, fears, and overcoming them.
Golden Pendant features actors of four generations: Raimo Viitanen, his daughter Taina, Taina’s daughter Iina as the leading role of Dorotea, and finally Iina’s daughter Elea playing young Dorotea. The movie was chosen for North Hollywood International Film Festival in Canada in 2025.
“Thank you for this otherworldly cultural moment! The film featured a script that was deeply flexible and actively nudged the viewer from one mood to another. The lighting—ah, brilliant craftsmanship by a master of light. Space, characters, and events took on a dreamlike reflection in the lighting, imbuing the close-ups with a magical aura. The editing left no questions of “why this?” for the viewer; the story flowed like a spring brook, and I enjoyed the ride as an audience member. An excellent short film leaves the viewer feeling that all their senses were fed, yet still craving more! The film did not think or explain for the audience but allowed space and freedom to ponder deeper meanings and the continuation of the story. There is something elusive, soulful, and mysterious in Iina’s performance that makes the character both charismatic and believable. Your presence and gaze hold a classic artistic French minimalism that empties and fills itself with just a look or the direction of a glance. Rare in Finland, I’d say. The spark of a performer already flickers in Elea like a small wood stove. Put simply: watch this film!!
Wishing you all the best and continued success!”
— REVIEW BY A TRUE BELIEVER IN FILMS