The film Maria’s Children is produced by Finland’s Komeetta, Kaiho Republic and Estonia’s Stella Film. 

Maria’s Children (workting title) is Bergroth’s fourth feature after The Last Cowboy Standing, The Good Son, and Miami, which allowed her snatch a deal with US talent agency ICM). Her latest feature is written with her long-time collaborator Jan Forsström, together with Anna Viitala. The film based on a true story, focuses on Maria Åkerblom, a magnetic leader of a religious sect in the 1920s. “Maria Åkerblom is a charismatic and controversial young woman who saw people’s fears and dreams, and knew how to take advantage of them. Maria and her frightening power over her followers are immensely interesting subjects for me,” said the director.

In Maria’s Children, the leader of her ostracized sect takes her followers to Helsinki where they temporarily house themselves in the beautiful Villa Toivola. At nights, Maria falls into a trance and preaches her followers the message brought to her by an angel. One of Maria’s most dedicated followers is the passionately religious teen Salome.

Producer Daniel Kuitunen of Komeetta said the Finnish/Estonian co-production has received support from the Finnish Film Foundation, YLE, the Finnish Church Media Fund, the Estonian Film Institute, and a cash rebate from Film Estonia. Principal photography is expected to start this summer.