There aren't a lot of truly great Christmas movies - and there are definitely not a lot of truly great Finnish action/horror/family Christmas movies. Lucky for us, Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale is all of those things! 

rare exports
I first saw Rare Exports at The Grand when it debuted in 2010. 

I loved it and immediately added it to my roster of favorite holiday films; it thrills with a hint of The Goonies and maybe even a little of The Thing (you know, scary and snowy), but at its heart, it does what all good holiday films do: explore the meaning of love and family - often through the eyes of a child. Just, in Rare Exports, love and family comes with a terrifying, mysterious carnivorous Santa, awesome action sequences, and a threatening, monstrous SOMETHING buried in a mountain.

Happily, the staff at The Grand loved the film too. 

It made such an impression that executive director Philip Cowan decided then and there to make it an annual tradition. Our staff member Lisa Fruichantie creates all sorts of goodies and giveaways inspired by the film, and our wonderful volunteer Gabriel Brown transforms himself (with Lisa's help) into the creepy Santa of the film. And we can take pictures with him!  

This will be the fifth year The Grand has shared this fantastical film as a holiday treat. Tickets are already moving, so get yours quick. Arrive early for treats, delightful holiday craft beers and ciders, and photos with creepy Santa. 

nordic knit
Come bedecked in your most ornate Nordic knitwear in order to best represent the Finnish ambiance. We're not talking ugly sweaters, here. We're talking awesome sweaters (and/or mittens and/or hats).

Still not convinced? Check out Roger Ebert's original review. I'm sure with our powers combined we can convince you to join us, Friday December 19

Come at 6 pm for pre-func, photos, and fun; screening at 6:45 pm. Buy tickets!