TOISIN TEIN

Toisin tein (I did it the other way) is a 13-minute-long short film about abortion. It’s based on personal stories and includes improvised movement on the ground, aerial acrobatics and the element of water.

The topic of abortion is approached through the process of decision making - and the different emotions it evokes. These emotions and the possible complexity of decision making create a strong atmosphere in the film. Circus as an art form is used for channeling experiences that can be hard to talk about.

The working group interviewed female circus artists from around the world who had had an abortion. Abortion is very private experience. For some it might have been a relief, for some it might be something they carry around with them for a long time. Yet what they noticed was that similar thoughts, experiences and emotions could be found from different stories. With circus artists the bodily experience was also one of great significance.
Toisin tein wants to highlight that abortion is a human right. The person with the uterus should always be the one to make the choice whether to have an abortion or not. 
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ARTISTS
Iida Sipilä and Inka Pehkonen 

DIRECTOR
Jenny Mansikkasalo 

ARTISTIC CONCEPT
Iida Sipilä, Inka Pehkonen & Jenny Mansikkasalo 

SOUND DESIGN
Amanda Martikainen 

FILMING
Christoffer Collina 

EDITING
Ida-Liina Linnea 

PRODUCER
Inka Pehkonen

SUPPORT
The Arts Promotion Center Finland, City of Helsinki, Cirko - Center for New Circus, Jatka78, Valova Oy

PREMIERE
June 2022 
                                            

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Inka, one of the artists, discussed the show and shared her personal experience with abortion on the Yaya Talk podcast.

​ You can listen to the episode here!

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Jenny Mansikkasalo's article about feminism in circus and 'Toisin tein' (in Finnish): 
https://www.teme.fi/fi/liitos/tarvitsemme-feministista-ajattelua-sirkuskentalle/

​Pics by: Jelena Candolin 
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