‘Palimpsest’ Helmer Hanna Västinsalo Readies ‘Space Hobos,’ New Series ‘Heaven’ (EXCLUSIVE)

variety.com:

Marta Balaga Following the Venice Film Festival premiere of her Biennale College Cinema title “Palimpsest” – about two people that start to age backwards – Finnish helmer Hanna Västinsalo will continue to play with sci-fi elements in “Space Hobos: How to Bum a Ride from Sector B12 to Module C9.”  “It’s about workers like plumbers, welders or cleaners, trying to make their way in the world of space travel,” Västinsalo explains to Variety in Italy.  “The core of the story is drawn from my own experience of being a starving artist and trying to make it.

Not always knowing how to pay rent or having money to buy groceries.” Västinsalo is also eyeing longer formats, developing “Heaven”: a series about a nun who, after being estranged from her father, inherits his male brothel. “I would love to explore the world that revolves around female pleasure and the bonds of a family that ends up working together, despite their different beliefs,” she adds.  “What unifies these two projects is my desire to shake people’s preconceived notions, while also offering them a moment of escapism.

The very same way ‘Star Wars’ and ‘X-Men’ comics provided a teen from the Finnish countryside with a space to dream.” Västinsalo, who previously showed “Man Under Bridge” at Venice VR Expanded, studied directing at the American Film Institute Conservatory in Los Angeles.

She also holds a PhD in molecular genetics, with her science background providing her with a unique perspective. “I don’t like to talk about myself, which is very Finnish, but maybe I can bring some reality to these stories.