When the Saxophone Burns
Showtimes
In Petri Luukkainen’s combination of music documentary and personal portrait, we get to know the mental landscape of saxophonist Timo Lassy, who has long been one of the foremost names in Finnish jazz. “What makes me happy as a person and an artist?” asks Lassy, who is struggling with aging and life changes and has realized that he cannot continue living as before.
Lassy has decided to search for an answer by setting a new challenge for himself: he intends to hold a solo performance for the first time in his career. Performing alone puts the artist in an exceptionally vulnerable position, but on the other hand, it also gives him complete freedom to express himself, a chance to strive to convey how he feels at that very moment.
In addition to the concert organized in Loviisa Church, the film follows Lassy’s preparations for the event. Moments of self-reflection reveal to the viewer that even a professional who has toured the world sometimes doubts himself. And how will this man, who is accustomed to expressing himself through music, handle the surprise speeches that are part of the performance?
Herman Tikkanen
Timo Lassy will attend the film screening on 3 Feb.
