HELSINKI, FINLAND – Finnish director Aki Kaurismäki has achieved his highest global box office success in a decade with his Cannes Jury Prize winner, “Fallen Leaves,” which has grossed $12.4 million, according to data released by the film’s producers. This marks the director’s second highest box office result, trailing only behind his 2011 drama “Le Havre.” The love story set in Helsinki, which depicts the challenging union of two lost souls, has become the highest grossing local film ever in Finland, raking in $3.6 million domestically.
Following its premiere at the Cannes Competition, the film was acquired by Mubi for distribution in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Latin America. It has experienced success in these territories as well. After making a buzz on the North American festival circuit, including screenings at Telluride, Toronto, and New York, “Fallen Leaves” was released in the U.S. on November 17. Since then, it has earned over $850,000 in the U.S. and Canada, making it Kaurismäki’s second highest performing film in North America after “Man Without A Past” (2002), which received an Academy Award nomination. The movie has also performed well in the UK, grossing over $400,000, and across Latin America, with a total of $380,000.
In addition to its success in North America and Latin America, “Fallen Leaves” has also garnered positive reception in Europe. It has earned $1.4 million in Germany, $3.8 million in France, and $1.1 million in Italy. Co-producers Misha Jaari and Mark Lwoff expressed their excitement for the film’s success and thanked Mubi and The Match Factory for their contributions in maximizing its market potential. They highlighted the film’s ability to resonate with audiences worldwide, even in the current challenging times.
“Fallen Leaves” has not only received accolades at Cannes, but also secured nominations at the Golden Globes and various critics’ awards. It is even on the long-list for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards. Jaari and Lwoff look forward to the film’s expansion to more markets and its enduring impact on audiences across the globe. Currently, “Fallen Leaves” is being screened in theaters worldwide and will soon be available for streaming on Mubi in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latin America, Turkey, and India starting January 19.