Age rating: S

Published: December 27, 2023

Karmapa – Matka maailman katolla

“Karmapa – matka maailman katolla” (transl. “Karmapa – Journey on the Roof of the World”) is a follow-up documentary to “Karmapa – Jumaluuden kaksi tietä” (transl. “Karmapa – The Two Paths of Divinity”. “Journey on the Roof of the World” portrays the moral and motivational conflicts encountered by the creators.

The filming of “Karmapa – The Two Paths of Divinity” spanned three and a half years, during which the intricate work process of the creators was also documented. The filming involving the Karmapa residing in Tibet was conducted in collaboration with the Chinese government, causing the filming permit process to extend over several years.

As the film features appearances by the Dalai Lama and another Karmapa residing in India, the creators had to present a cover story about the film’s content to the Chinese government. Otherwise, the Chinese administration would hardly have approved the film.

This project wasn’t easily acceptable even within the Buddhist world, as the power struggle between the two Karmapas is a sensitive and divisive issue within Buddhism.

(Source: Art Films production)

Published: December 27, 2023

Karmapa – jumaluuden kaksi tietä

“Karmapa – The Two Paths of Divinity” is a documentary film directed by Arto Halonen in 1998. The film explores Tibet’s spiritual community and the politics of Tibetan China. It follows the preparations of two Karmapa Lama candidates for the role of the country’s spiritual leader. The documentary was filmed in Tibet and China, under the supervision of Chinese authorities. It has received accolades, including the European Union humanitarian award.

Karmapa believes that the future of humanity hinges on understanding, compassion, and spiritual development. The film introduces two approaches to Karmapa: the traditional Buddhist teachings and a more modern perspective aimed at addressing contemporary challenges.

The film sheds light on Karmapa’s efforts to bridge traditional values and teachings with the modern world, showcasing how his teachings offer insights and solutions to the lives of people today.

Published: December 27, 2023

Kahdet kasvot

Kahdet kasvot (transl. Two Faces) is a short animated film. It tells the story of the immutability of human nature and the legacy of revenge that passes from one generation to another.

The story begins in the Stone Age and progresses to modern times, narrating the cruelty of humans and their inability to break free from the burdens of their past.

Director and Screenplay: Arto Halonen (Source: Art Films production)

Published: November 27, 2023

Apollo 11

Apollo 11 is an impressive documentary film that follows the journey of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins to the moon and back. The film is entirely based on archival material, which documentary filmmaker Todd Douglas Miller has edited into a cohesive whole. Although the outcome of the journey is known, the film presents the historic mission with its surprises and keeps the audience engaged throughout.

The film consists solely of archival material, including 70 mm film footage that has not been previously released to the public. It does not have a narrator, interviews, or reenactments. The only exceptions are the animated sequences used to clarify the spacecraft’s route to the moon and back for the viewers.

Director: Todd Douglas Miller
Cast: Neil Armstrong, Mike Collins, Buzz Aldrin

Published: November 24, 2023

Risto Räppääjä ja Liukas Lennart

The highly popular ten-year-old, red-haired Risto Räppääjä and his friend Nelli Nuudelipää dive into new adventures. Aunt Rauha thinks she has a brilliant idea: they need to find a man who would be a suitable father figure for Risto. Risto is not excited about the idea at all, and neither is their neighbor Lennart, who is himself interested in Rauha. Therefore, Lennart tries to create the perfect man who would meet Rauha’s constantly changing expectations of what a decent man should be.

Lennart soon realizes that trying to be many different people at once is not easy. When even Aunt Elvi falls for one of the father figures created by Lennart, things hilariously get tangled up. Unforgettable summer is full of incredible twists and lively misunderstandings.”

Published: November 23, 2023

The Peanuts Movie

The Peanuts Movie follows the adventures of familiar characters like Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy van Pelt, and the rest of the Peanuts gang. The story focuses on Charlie Brown’s attempts to win the heart of a new girl, the Little Red-Haired Girl.

The film chronicles Charlie Brown’s adventures and mishaps at school, at home, and with his friends. Meanwhile, Snoopy, his loyal dog, embarks on adventures in his imaginative world.

The movie is filled with humor, warmth, and lessons about the importance of friendship, courage, and self-acceptance in life. It retains the spirit of the original comic strip and takes viewers on a nostalgic journey into the Peanuts universe.

Published: November 10, 2023

My Dad’s Christmas Date

It’s Christmas, and the charming city of York is home to 16-year-old Jules and her father David. In many ways, the relationship between David and Jules is not much different from that of other fathers and their sixteen-year-old daughters. David struggles to understand his daughter, as she refuses to communicate with her father. While David wants to be a part of his daughter’s life, she desires her own space.

However, in one crucial aspect, they share a profound bond: the tragic car accident two years ago that took Jules’ mother, David’s wife. Both are grappling to cope with the challenges of everyday life in the shadow of this loss. Inspired by happy memories of her mother, Jules decides to take matters into her own hands and search for suitable companionship for her father.

Published: November 8, 2023

White Christmas

Two talented song-and-dance men team up after the war to become one of the hottest acts in show business. In time they befriend and become romantically involved with the beautiful Haynes sisters who comprise a sister act.

Published: October 30, 2023

Armotonta menoa – hoivatyön lauluja

Armotonta menoa – hoivatyön lauluja (transl. “Ruthless Times – Songs of Care”) is a documentary musical film infused with dark humor that looks into the state of elderly care in Finland: The people who provide care, and those who receive it in the care market. Through documentary episodes and songs, the film sheds light on the everyday crisis of elderly care.

Published: October 30, 2023

Hassisen Kone 40 vuotta myöhemmin

“Hassisen Kone 40 Years Later” is a documentary film about a band that, despite its short lifespan, is still remembered as one of the most iconic Finnish rock bands of all time. The film tells the story not only of the band’s 40th-anniversary concert and its preparation but also of the band’s history and its members’ journey from young celebrities to adults.