Tom of Finland

This film tells the story of cult artist Touko Laaksonen, better known as Tom of Finland, and of the events that have shaped his iconic, groundbreaking homoerotic art. It begins at the closing of WWII. Following the trauma of his wartime service, Touko cannot settle down in his homeland. He must keep his gay identity a secret, even from the sister with whom he lives. His hook-ups and short-term affairs are conducted in obscure corners of the city, ever-fearful of being apprehended by police. As time passes, Touko begins to draw inspiration in the men in uniform who oppress him, and this finds expression in his art, which becomes the most important, influential part of his life. While in reality uniformed officers torment the gay community, in Touko‘s art they are portrayed in a hyper-masculine, openly-sexual manner, with no inhibitions. Yet it is only when an American publisher sees his drawings and invites him to visit the West Coast of the United States that Touko‘s life truly change; almost overnight, he turns from an unknown artist into a symbol of the gay sexual revolution.
Touko‘s story, the theme of his ravishing, unforgettable film, is one of the most important chapters of gay art history. Esteemed Finnish director Dome Karukoski breathes life into this crucially important story, creating a fascinating portrait of the man behind the legend.
In association with the Embassy of Finland