Steam of Life is a comic and moving study of Finnish men as framed by Finland's national obsession with the sauna. In the sauna, Finnish men come together to sweat out not only the grime of contemporary life, but also their grief, hopes, joys and memories. This acclaimed film provides a surprising and intimate glimpse into the lives of Finnish men. Along the way, it challenges viewers to examine the often contradictory demands of male culture. As an outreach tool, it can prompt deep discussions about masculinity and how its social constructions affect the ways that men heal from trauma, express emotion, establish friendships, interact with children and understand their roles and responsibilities.
Download the discussion guide for Steam of Life: