This luxuriously photographed and finely acted biopic chronicles the fascinating trajectory of pioneering artist Touko Laaksonen, who became famous around the world under the pseudonym Tom of Finland for his unapologetically erotic depictions of gay men—typically bursting out of leather fetish-wear with bulging pecs and chiseled abs. Charting his struggle to break free from the repressive atmosphere of post-WWII Helsinki through to his eventual embrace in the U.S. in the 70s, Tom of Finland is a subtly moving portrait of an icon of gay liberation and crucial influence on visual culture.
In Finnish, English, and German with English subtitles.
Official selection: Tribeca Film Festival
Exclusive NY engagement. A Kino Lorber release.