Radio Times

Review by:

Claire Webb

For more than half a century, plump, philosophical trolls the Moomins have enchanted children and parents alike. They also brought unwanted fame to the Finnish writer and artist who created them.

More than a decade after her death, this thoughtful film reveals Tove Jansson’s love/hate relationship with her Moomins, and how many of their adventures were inspired by real life. Friends, relatives and fellow authors pay tribute, but it’s those magical illustrations that really captivate.

About this programme

A profile of the author behind the well-loved Moomins series about a family of trolls facing a range of adventures. The programme traces how Jansson lived a bohemian existence as an artist in Helsinki before becoming a recluse on a remote island in the Gulf of Finland, and reveals how her creative genius extended beyond her popular characters to satire, fine art and adult fiction. Narrated by Sam West.

Cast and crew

Cast

Narrator

Sam West

Crew

Director

Eleanor Yule

Executive Producer

Franny Moyle

Producer

Eleanor Yule

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