Promise is a story about three young women whose lives are inflicted by the war. Mona (Laura Birn) has just finished school and dreams of veterinary studies in Oslo. Anna (Karoliina Vanne) is thinking of getting married and starting her own family. Ruth (Hanna Lekander) has her mind set on studying Theology. But how to believe in a future when the whole world around you is shaking? The film follows five years of the lives of Mona, Anna and Ruth, from 1939 to 1944.

Promise portrays the young women’s longing, dreams and process of growing up at a time when Finland was thrust into war against the Soviet Union. It’s a story of women who set their dreams aside for their country and joined up in the voluntary Lotta Svärd defense service. The work of the “Lottas” had a significant impact both at home and at the front in a small country’s struggle to preserve its independence.