Finn-Am Jam movie screening scheduled

The next in a series of Finn-Am Jams will be a film from Finland entitled “ Mother of Mine" screened at the Naselle School Commons beginning at 2 p.m. on April 20.

The blossoming film industry in Finland has turned out many interesting films as well as award winning directors and actors. “ Mother of Mine” tells the story of the children who became refugees from Finland to Sweden during World War II, known as the “Continuation War" in Finland.

This is a story of one of the largest groups of children ever to become refugees, some 70,000, who were evacuated from Finland to Sweden in the early 1940s. It is a compelling story, following the life of a young boy as he is taken from his home and the trials and tribulations of that journey and new life.

Introducing the film and leading a discussion afterwards will be retired Finnish Consul Norman Westerberg and his wife Benita who were part of the group of children that were evacuated. The audience is encouraged to participate with questions, comments, as well as personal anecdotes.

Finn-Am Jams are a low key introduction into Finnish and Finnish-American culture which will be highlighted at the Finnish-American Folk Festival of Naselle which will be held from July 25-27 at the school in Naselle. Finnish films are part of the programming being offered with a variety of films from Finland including “ Mother of Mine.” The Finn-Am Jams are sponsored by the Finnish-American Folk Festival and in part by a grant from the Washington State Arts Commission.