A new Finnish television series, "Citizens of Heaven," crafted by the talented minds behind the acclaimed drama "All the Sins" — Venla Aakko and Mika Ronkainen — has unveiled its ensemble cast. This upcoming production promises to explore profound themes of faith, authority, and personal narratives within the intriguing backdrop of a secluded religious community. The show is poised to begin principal photography in the coming month, building anticipation for its debut.
The central roles in "Citizens of Heaven" will be portrayed by a distinguished group of actors. Lauri Tilkanen, recognized for his work in "Deadwind" and "Hildur," will take on a leading part. He is joined by Daniel Virtanen, known for "Syke," "Deception," and the Series Mania-selected "Atlantis Pasila." Completing the main trio is Kreeta Salminen, whose credits include "Enemy of the People" and "Guts." Additionally, Karl-Cristian Grundman, who appeared in "Icebreaker" and "Codename Annika," and Aamu Milonoff, celebrated for her roles in the Sundance-winning film "Girl Picture" and "Soviet Jeans," are also significant members of the cast.
The narrative of "Citizens of Heaven" is a mystery drama deeply embedded within a closed-off religious sect. The community is overseen by the devout Elias, who operates under the strict guidance of his uncompromising father. The sect faces impending collapse, but a dramatic shift occurs with the unexpected return of Elias's estranged brother, Joosua, from prison. Joosua's reappearance is marked by a seemingly miraculous healing, which revitalizes the fading community and attracts new followers and financial support.
As the community undergoes this transformation, an investigative journalist manages to infiltrate the group, drawing unwanted attention. This intrusion begins to unravel the carefully constructed facade of the sect, bringing long-buried secrets to the surface. Elias is then forced to confront a difficult dilemma: whether to expose the unsettling truths that emerge or to uphold the deception that has become the foundation of their entire world.
Jemina Jokisalo, head of drama and co-creator at Just Republic, highlights the thematic richness of the series, noting that enclosed communities like cults provide fertile ground for dramatic exploration. She explains that such environments can foster both strong shared beliefs and mutual care, but also darker aspects like jealousy, rivalry, and suspicion. Jokisalo further elaborated on the core conflict, describing it as a power struggle between the two brothers, Elias and Joosua. Joosua's return and his miraculous act ignite Elias's jealousy, setting in motion a narrative that questions faith, power, and the stories individuals choose to believe. She commended Mika Ronkainen's distinctive visual style and both writers' deep insight into the subject matter.
The project is being managed by The Burbank Agency for sales, with Elisa Viihde serving as the broadcast partner. Ani Korpela, Chief Content Officer, emphasized the commitment to producing original dramas for both local and global audiences, expressing enthusiasm for collaborating with Mika Ronkainen and Venla Aakko once again. This renewed partnership follows the success of "All the Sins," which not only earned the best Nordic Series Script Award at Göteborg Film Festival's TV Drama Vision but also achieved the status of Elisa Viihde's most widely distributed international original series to date. Executive producer Sari Lempiäinen reiterated the strong belief in the project from its inception and expressed excitement about bringing the story of the sect and its rival brothers to the screen with the talented cast. Elisa Viihde, as a commissioner, is drawn to distinctive, thought-provoking narratives that reflect contemporary societal tensions and offer powerful emotional experiences, aiming for stories that resonate deeply and provoke discussion.