Playlist: based on true events

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

Ringside

“Ringside” is a dramatized documentary about boxer Tarmo Uusivirta as he prepares for the final and most crucial fight of his career. This match ultimately becomes a battle within himself amidst the crossfire of changing life values.

At 34 years old, the athlete has risen from rock bottom back into the boxing ring. He is on the path towards a world championship through an European Champion title fight. However, love transforms his mindset, and at the most critical moment of his career, he is ready to give up for the sake of life.

(Source: Art Films production)

Published: December 27, 2023

Valo varjon takaa

“Light Behind the Shadow” is a portrait of hurdler Arto Bryggare. The film follows Bryggare’s life for a year and a half after his Achilles tendon ruptured in 1988.

Desperately, Bryggare attempts a comeback to hurdling and reaching the top despite his legs no longer being able to endure. The relentless and stubborn battle of Bryggare against time and physical limitations intertwines with glimpses of his past athletic achievements. These moments portray both the persistent struggle of Bryggare and the highs and lows of an athlete’s journey. (Source: Art Films production)

Published: November 23, 2023

Oppenheimer

Oppenheimer is set during World War II, portraying the theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer (played by Cillian Murphy) as he is tasked with creating a new super weapon, the atomic bomb, for the United States—a weapon that could potentially end the war with a single explosion. The Manhattan Project, established in 1943 at the secret Los Alamos laboratory, led to the first test of the atomic bomb in Alamogordo.

The Trinity nuclear test on July 16, 1945, was a first of its kind, and less than a month later, the United States dropped two devastating atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6th and 9th, effectively concluding the Second World War. As the chairman of the United States Atomic Energy Commission, Lewis Strauss, moves towards the Senate and greater power at the onset of the Cold War, Oppenheimer realizes his partial responsibility for nuclear armament and the potential threat of nuclear war to humanity. Towards the end of his career, once a naive idealist, he finds himself embroiled in courtroom drama, political power plays, and intrigue.

Oppenheimer is written by Christopher Nolan. The film was shot using 65-millimeter IMAX® cameras on regular 65-millimeter film, marking the first time IMAX® cameras have been used to capture analog black-and-white footage.

Published: November 23, 2023

The Unknown Soldier

Finnish garrison gets an order and their machine gun company is transported to the eastern border – soon, war becomes a reality again.

Directed by Aku Louhimies, The Unknown Soldier is the third film adaptation based on Väinö Linna’s classic novel. It describes the journey of a Finnish infantry unit in the Continuation War, that lasted three years. The film tells the story of Rokka, Kariluoto, Koskela, Hietanen, and their comrades – how fellowship, humor, and the will to survive unite men on their journey there and back. The war revolutionized the lives of both individual soldiers and those left behind on the home front, leaving its mark on the entire nation.

The film received significant recognition, winning four Jussi Gala trophies: Best Sound Design, Best Leading Actor, Best Editing, and Best Makeup Design.

Published: November 23, 2023

Greatest Showman

“The Greatest Showman” is a musical film that tells the story of P.T. Barnum. He was a famous American showman and pioneer in the entertainment industry. The movie follows Barnum’s life starting from his youth. Barnum’s dream was to create a unique entertainment experience that brings together different people and gives them a chance to shine on stage.

Barnum (played by Hugh Jackman) puts together his own circus by gathering a group of diverse and unique performers, including acrobats, singers, dwarfs, and others who were traditionally discriminated in society. His attempt generates a lot of interest and captivates the audience, but it also faces resistance and criticism.

The film follows Barnum’s struggle for acceptance, success, and his family, all while trying to create a world where everyone can feel accepted and valued. Through the power of music, the movie emphasizes the uniqueness of individuals and encourages them to take pride in their differences.

Published: November 22, 2023

Blinded By The Light

The movie is based on true events and follows a young British-Pakistani boy named Javed living in the town of Luton in the late 1980s. Javed is passionate about music, but his parents don’t understand his dreams. The town is plagued by unemployment and racism, complicating Javed’s life even more.

However, everything changes when Javed discovers the music of Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen’s lyrics deeply resonate with him and inspire him to pursue his dreams. Javed’s passion for music gets a new boost through Springsteen’s music, and he starts writing his poems and lyrics.

The movie depicts Javed’s journey towards independence, self-discovery, and the pursuit of his dreams through the power of music. It also shows how music can be a strong resource in times of difficulty, helping to find strength and inspiration in life.

Published: October 31, 2023

Kultainen maa

Kultainen maa (transl. Golden Land) is a story of refugee experiences, return migration, and the concept of home, as Mustafe, who has become Finnish, decides to move back to Somaliland with his family in search of a better future.

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.