Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale

An excavation team begins their work on a majestic hill, hired by a wealthy, mysterious American. Their leader discovers sawdust deep within the mountain, prompting excitement from the financier who insists on strict rules, stirring curiosity among the workers.

Pietari and Jusso, two imaginative Finnish boys, observe the excavation team from a distance. After sneaking back through a self-made opening in the fence, their minds begin to race with ideas about what the team is uncovering.

As Christmas approaches, Pietari dreams of Santa Claus, but Jusso harshly reminds him that Santa isn't real. Intrigued, Pietari begins researching old folklore, uncovering dark tales that paint Santa as a sinister figure who punishes naughty children.

On December 23rd, Pietari spots strange footprints on the roof of their shed. Believing they belong to Santa, he becomes increasingly anxious about his behavior, certain that he is being watched.

Pietari and Rauno visit a nearby area to hunt reindeer but only find two. To their horror, they discover dead reindeer near the excavation site, leading to the realization that the excavation may have caused wolves to attack the herd.

The villagers confront the excavation team only to find the site abandoned and a large crater left behind. Without answers, they are left pondering the fate of the reindeer and the connection to the mysterious activities.

Back at home, Pietari reveals a chilling tale to Jusso about an ancient tribe that captured Santa and froze him underground. Despite Pietari's fears, Jusso dismisses the story as mere superstition.

The following day, Pietari discovers a bloody hand in a wolf trap, which leads to a panic when Rauno finds a mysterious old man with an American passport instead of a dead body. They are both baffled by the unfolding chaos.

As tensions rise, Pietari realizes several local children have gone missing, urging a sense of urgency. Despite declaring the old man as Santa Claus, the adults refuse to see the truth in his claims.

The old man, seeking warmth, is chained up while panic sets in when a walkie-talkie reveals a message about Santa. The villagers decide to arrange a drop-off at a small airport, hoping to find a resolution.

Dressed in a Santa outfit, the old man is brought to the airport to meet the American. He clarifies that they have not captured Santa but merely a helper, leading to confusion and chaos as old men with white beards emerge.

Rauno discovers a shocking sight at a hangar: an enormous, ice-covered creature surrounded by tied-up children. This discovery escalates the urgency of rescuing the children before the creature thaws.

Pietari devises a plan to attract the 'helpers' who pursue children in desperation. Piiparinen takes to the skies in a helicopter to rescue the children while luring the bizarre helpers after them.

Rauno and Jusso's father discover dynamite and concoct a scheme to destroy the ice creature. They work to turn off the heaters while Pietari prepares to lure the helpers away from the children.

At a critical moment, Rauno and Jusso's father detonate the icy creature, freezing the helpers in place. In a twist, they manage to capture all 198 helpers, leading the villagers to profitably prepare them for the holiday festivities.