The Magnetic Man is a 2009 documentary film directed by Arto Halonen. The film explores the life, work, and influence of Finnish singer-songwriter Pekka Streng, who died at a young age.
The documentary tells Streng’s story through the people close to him as well as through those who were deeply influenced by his work. At the same time, the film follows the process of creating a new album, Unen maa, from previously unreleased reel-to-reel recordings left behind by Streng. The project was led by Jukka Hakoköngäs, with Halonen also participating in its production. The film includes previously unpublished material related to Streng, including photographs and diary entries.
Pekka Streng lived for many years in Myrskylä, where The Magnetic Man was also filmed. On September 5, 2009, the municipality of Myrskylä organized a Pekka Streng event featuring musical performances and an art exhibition, as well as a preview screening of The Magnetic Man. The film’s official premiere later that autumn took place at the Love & Anarchy film festival. It was also screened at several international festivals and events, including the International TV Festival Bar event in Montenegro, Documentarist Istanbul Documentary Days festival, and North by Northeast event. The film received a theatrical release in Finland and was nominated for the Jussi Award for Best Documentary Film.
In connection with the film, Halonen also organized a memorial concert for Pekka Streng. The concert was subsequently made into a separate concert film, In Streng’s Garden (Strengin puutarhassa, 2009). The memorial concert was held at Tavastia Club in Helsinki in February 2009.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
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