Age rating: K-12

Published: March 30, 2023

Sokkotanssi

In the movie Sokkotanssi (Trans. Blind Dance), the 60s are lived in a small Finnish town by the sea. Another of the main actors is a boy named Jontti. He is a very curious child who finds out about his father’s secret relationship with another woman. Jontti’s best friend from the neighborhood is Länki, who misses his father who lives out of reach. These aspects of life put a lot of pressure on the boys’ minds, which makes them do all kinds of naughtiness.

The film has well-known Finnish actors. Jontti’s father is Martti Suoaho, Pirkka-Pekka Petelius plays a barber and Vesa-Matti Loiri plays an alcoholic citizen in a small supporting role. Movie uses subtle humor, but also drama.

The film won the Jussi award for best screenplay.

Published: March 30, 2023

Olavi Virta

Olavi Virta tells the story of one of the most famous Finnish male singers of all time. His career dates back to Finland’s post-war era, and with the help of his music, Finns forgot their sorrows by dancing, partying, dreaming, and loving.

As Olavi’s career rose, the temptations of success came with it, such as alcohol and side relationships, and he did not manage to avoid them. Although the family stayed by Olavi’s side for a long time, in the end, nothing made the family stay by his side, despite his requests and promises.

Koulukino’s learning material is aimed at secondary school studies and high schools. The tasks consist of interpreting the interview video, information search and analysis tasks, and tips on places to visit which are made to honor Olavi Virta.

Published: March 28, 2023

Tolkien

“Tolkien,” tells the inspiring story of one of the most famous writers of our time, J.R.R. Tolkien. The film tells, among other things, about his orphanhood, his studies among love, friends, linguists, and artists, and his time as a young British officer in the middle of the First World War. Tolkien’s experiences have ultimately shaped him into the writer we know him to be.

Koulukino’s educational material deals with film production, a biographical film, growing up to be a writer, friendships, and studying and researching languages. The learning material is aimed at middle schools and secondary education.

Published: March 28, 2023

Ad Astra

Humanity is threatened by strange attacks that come from space. Astronaut Roy McBride (Brad Pritt) goes deep into space to find the reason for the attacks and at the same time to find his father who disappeared decades ago. On his way, Roy faces an unprecedented threat.

Koulukino’s learning material deals with polyphony, language methods for creating a personal image, information search, writing, analysis tasks, and philosophy discussion tasks. The learning material is aimed at secondary school studies.

Published: March 27, 2023

Life of Pi

The film is a survival drama about a young Indian man and a tiger, based on Yann Martel’s bestselling novel Life of Pi. It all starts with a Japanese cargo ship that gets into trouble at sea. Everyone else perishes except Pi, the zebra, the hyena, the orangutan, and the Bengal tiger named “Richard Parker”, so Pi’s survival doesn’t seem easy.

The film was awarded four Oscars: best direction, cinematography, soundtrack, and visual effects.

Published: March 27, 2023

Exodus: Gods and Kings

Christian Bale plays Moses in the biblical story depicted with modern film effects. Moses and his brother Ramses defend Egypt, led by their father Seti. In the middle of the battle, Moses saves the life of his brother Ramses. This frightens Ramses, because a prophecy has been made about Moses and because of it he is banished. As a result, Moses rises against his brother and flees the plagues that have just begun, leading 600,000 slaves in the process.

Published: March 23, 2023

Oppipoika (Lärjungen)

The year is 1939. A 13-year-old boy named Karl arrives on the island of Lånskär in Åland. There, the boy is supposed to learn the job of a lighthouse keeper by being the apprentice of the lighthouse master Hasselbond, which is not an easy task. An exciting thriller full of choices begins.

The film won the Jussi award for best costume design.

School cinema learning material is also available in Swedish. The learning material deals with Finnish-Swedish cinema, children’s rights, psychological thrillers, the psychology of evil, motivation, and emotions.

Published: March 21, 2023

Napapiirin sankarit

Janne’s relationship in Lapland cracks when his common-law wife Inari demands that he get the Digibox she already requested to get during the day. Job needs to be done by nine in the morning, otherwise, Inari leaves. This is how the incredible adventure of hunting for a Digibox begins. With his friends, Janne puts everything on the line – for one small electronic device, because it is a matter of Janne’s relationship.

The film magnificently won three Jussi awards: best direction, film, and screenplay.

Koulukino’s learning material deals with Lapland, Lappishness, life management, and northern men.

Published: March 21, 2023

Kääntöpiste

In the story of the film, the lives of three people meet by chance due to common factors. Francis works in Finland without a work and residence permit, while Jere illegally brings growth hormones into Finland. The third participant is Vera and Aleksi, an ex-married couple suffering from relationship problems.

The film was nominated for four Jussi awards: best cinematography, sound design, editing, and costume design.

Koulukino’s learning material is aimed at high schools and vocational schools. The assignments deal with e.g. film locations, film script, information about the plot offered to the viewer, choices of characters, and immigration policy.

Published: March 21, 2023

Toivon tuolla puolen

The movie tells the story of Khaled, a Syrian refugee hiding on a cargo ship, and Wikström, a merchant traveler whose paths eventually cross. Although the film was released in 2017, its refugee theme remains relevant.

The film features Kaurismäki’s familiar stylistic features, such as reduced visuals, low-key characters, absurd humor, and musical numbers.