Coming from the new freeze-dried humor capital of the world — Finland — this film profiles a charismatic perfectionist, Petri Sirvio, who brings to life his unique musical vision. He conducts a men's choir whose oddball members are carefully selected for their lung capacity and ability to scream continuously. They are the Screaming Men, and we see them entertaining bemused audiences around the world, belting out uniquely adapted renditions of operating instructions, treaties and national anthems — the last leading to diplomatic stirs in France and Iceland. Framing the film are breathtaking scenes of the conductor and group in the icy wilderness pulling ocean liners, howling songs, and wearing matching rubber ties. With this bizarre and pleasing concoction, the Finnish have shown us the way to unlimited human expression. Preceded by Branson: Musicland USA (dir. Peter Sillen, 2003, 11 min.) (PS)

Screaming Men official website

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