Level: high schools and vocational schools

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.

Koulukino’s educational materials deal with human rights, refugees, hate speech, freedom of speech and Aki Kaurismäki’s style of making films.

Published: March 16, 2023

West Side Story

Two youngsters from rival New York City gangs fall in love, but tensions between their respective friends build toward tragedy.

Published: March 14, 2023

Ron’s Gone Wrong

20thCentury Studios and Locksmith Animation’s “Ron’s Gone Wrong” tells the story of Barney, a socially awkward schoolboy, and Ron, his walking, talking robot who should be “Your best friend right out of the box.”

Ron’s hilarious journey in the middle of the age of social media takes the duo on a step-by-step journey where the boy and the robot understand the meaning of true friendship in all its chaos and messiness. (Source: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Finland)

Published: March 13, 2023

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

Widowed Ada Harris lives in London in the 1950s, working as a cleaner. One day she falls in love with a Dior dress presented by her client. As a sign from her late husband, Ada receives a large sum of money for the loss of her husband Eddie in the war, as she should have received a war widow’s pension as a result of what happened.

Mrs. Harris makes a different decision compared to his previous lifestyle and makes it her goal to own a Dior dress and leaves for Paris. The film is the story of a brave woman who pursues her unique dream regardless of other people’s opinions. The film is based on Paul Galliconi’s novel Mrs. ‘Arris Goes to Paris, which appeared in 1957.

The film was nominated for best costume design at the Oscars.

Published: February 28, 2023

I Wanna Dance: The Whitney Houston Movie

Whitney Houston is one of the greatest female R&B pop singers of all time. The film tells about her life, music and journey to superstardom.

Published: February 24, 2023

Kenen joukoissa seisot

“Kenen joukoissa seisot” transl. “Whose Side Are You On?” is a documentary film that utilizes music and is revolutionary both in form and content. It explores the singing movement of the 1970s in Finland, when hundreds of singing groups across the country aimed to change the world through songs. The film showcases the high-quality music produced by the singing movement, addressing both political and everyday topics. It features interviews with key figures of the singing movement and offers captivating archival footage and nostalgic atmospheres. Additionally, it narrates a generational experience where young people fell in love with politics and believed they could change the world.

The film was awarded the Jussi Award for Best Documentary in 2007.

Director:
Jouko Aaltonen

Starring:
Pekka Aarnio
Sinikka Sokka
Monna Kamu
Martti Launis
Kiti Neuvonen
Anna-Riitta Minkkinen

Published: February 24, 2023

Just Mercy

Prominent attorney Bryan Stevenson fights to free a wrongly convicted to death.