What is the film "A Light That Never Goes Out" about?

The film follows 29-year-old Pauli, a talented flutist, as he returns to his small-town Finnish home and connects with a group of young musicians who compose experimental music through improvisation, rebelling against the constraints of their provincial environment.

What awards will the jury bestow at the Thessaloniki Film Festival?

The jury will award the Golden Alexander for best feature film (10,000 euro cash prize) and the Silver Alexander for best direction (5,000 euro cash prize). They will also give awards for best actor, actress, and screenplay or artistic achievement.

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Experimental Music Fuels Rebellion in Small-Town Finland

Q: Who is the jury for the Thessaloniki Film Festival's International Competition?

The jury is composed of filmmaker Elegance Bratton, sales executive Thania Dimitrakopoulou, and cinematographer Fred Elmes.

17 Oct, 2025

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Summary

Talented flutist returns home, connects with young musicians
Experimental music composition through improvisation
Pariahs in suffocating, provincial environment

Experimental Music Fuels Rebellion in Small-Town Finland

On October 17, 2025, the Thessaloniki Film Festival revealed its International Competition lineup, which includes a film about a talented flutist's return to his small-town Finnish home. 29-year-old Pauli, unable to manage the weight of expectations placed upon him, has retreated to his family home after a personal crisis. There, he almost unwillingly connects with a group of young musicians who are pariahs in the suffocating, provincial environment. Fueled by "wonderful madness," the group composes experimental music through improvisation, rebelling against the constraints of their small-town existence.

The film, titled "A Light That Never Goes Out," is one of 12 works by up-and-coming directors showcased in the festival's International Competition. The jury, composed of acclaimed filmmaker Elegance Bratton, sales executive Thania Dimitrakopoulou, and cinematographer Fred Elmes, will award prizes for best feature film, best director, and other categories.