Acclaimed author Dennis Lehane and his production company Hans Bubby have successfully acquired the English-language remake rights to the critically celebrated Finnish dramedy “100 Litres of Gold”. This exciting development promises to bring a fresh perspective to the original film while maintaining its core themes and humor.

Directed by the talented Teemu Nikki, the film revolves around a pressing dilemma: a wedding is approaching, yet there’s a dire shortage of drinks. The story follows two sisters, Taina and Pirkko, who have pledged to brew 100 liters of their renowned homemade beer, sahti. However, their latest batch is so delightful that they end up consuming all of it just a day before the big event. Faced with the urgent need to “procure” another 100 liters, the sisters resort to increasingly desperate measures.

Produced by It’s Alive Movies, the film made its debut in Finland in March 2025 and quickly ascended to become the highest-grossing domestic film of the year thus far. Teemu Nikki has previously directed acclaimed works, including “Euthanizer,” Finland’s submission for the Oscars in 2018, and the award-winning “The Blind Man Who Did Not Want to See Titanic.” His short film “All Inclusive” was showcased at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2019, further establishing his reputation as a filmmaker of note.

“It’s a brilliant blend of humor, absurdity, and anxiety, featuring characters who exist on the fringes of society—my favorite kind of narrative,” expressed Lehane. “I pitched the concept to my partner, Mackenzie Pietzak, almost immediately upon my return to the U.S. She was as captivated as I was, leading us to decide to pursue an American adaptation.”

Previously, Lehane penned the screenplay for the Fox Searchlight feature “The Drop,” which is based on his original short story. He also created the Apple TV series “Black Bird”, featuring Taron Egerton in a leading role. His latest original series, “Smoke,” is set to premiere on Apple TV+ on June 27, adding to his impressive body of work.

“I received an email from someone named Dennis while I was exploring the Colosseum during the Rome Film Festival. At first, I responded with something trivial, only to later discover that this ‘Dennis’ was indeed Dennis Lehane. I immediately called Jani to confirm that I wasn’t dreaming,” reminisced Teemu Nikki, highlighting the surreal moment of connecting with a literary giant.

“It’s incredible that a writer of such renown is interested in our film. I can’t help but feel like a fanboy!” exclaimed Jani Pösö, the writer-producer who co-owns It’s Alive Movies with Nikki. His excitement reflects the significance of this collaboration for the production team.

While the film is set in Nikki’s hometown, he argues that “local experiences are universal.” This sentiment underscores the film’s ability to resonate with audiences beyond geographical boundaries.

Pösö agreed, stating, “The world is filled with places where communities revolve around a singular aspect—be it the finest tomatoes or the best football players. In Sysmä, that focus is sahti. The themes we explore are universal: sometimes you must leave to truly live.” This insight emphasizes the film’s broader relevance and relatability.

Despite already receiving critical acclaim, the team was not prepared for such overwhelming box office success. Their humble approach reflects a deep appreciation for their craft and audience.

“We Finns are typically not easily excitable. It took the industry a decade to fully appreciate our films and sense of humor,” joked Nikki, while Pösö credited their successful marketing and distribution strategies executed by the Finnish distributor Nelonen.

“I believe there are at least three key factors contributing to our success. First, the film is genuinely outstanding, perhaps the best we’ve created thus far. Second, we’ve faced numerous challenges over the years, and now, finally, the barriers have begun to break down,” expressed Nikki, showcasing his optimism about the future.

It’s Alive Movies collaborated with I Marvel Pictures from Italy and Smile Entertainment from Denmark to produce this remarkable film. Established in 2013, the Helsinki-based production company has an impressive portfolio, including eight feature films, three TV series, and eighteen short films, showcasing their diverse storytelling abilities.

Dennis Lehane is represented by Echo Lake Entertainment, CAA, and Hansen, Jacobsen Teller, ensuring his continued influence and presence in the film industry.