The news of the cuts to the Finnish Film Foundation's funding planned by the government in the budget debate sparked a strong will among the industry to do something together. With the potential impact of the cuts being significant for the entire audiovisual sector, the industry gathered its forces to deliver a common, cinematic message.

The collaboration resulted in the creation of the ode to domestic cinema by The Grump. In the appeal, a character beloved by the whole nation, The Grump, played by Heikki Kinnunen, reminds us of the importance of Finnish cinema and the fact that only Finns tell the stories of Finns.

Watch the 30-second film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fJh2DiowIw

"The film is a collaboration between industry players and supported by organisations. The filming took place at Rekola Cinema in Vantaa. A big thank you to everyone who participated in the project and offered their help!", says Laura Kuulasmaa, Executive Director of APFI, the association representing audiovisual producers. "In addition to the social significance, the negative impact of the cuts on the national economy should be taken into account: tax revenues would decrease, the economy would shrink and companies and investments would suffer", Kuulasmaa continues.

Finnish films are important to Finns – their market share in Finland is among the highest in Europe. In 2024, it was 32%, and domestic films had 2.1 million admissions in cinemas. In addition, films on tv channels that contribute to the financing of domestic cinema reach several million viewers.

"With these cuts, dozens of cinemas, especially in rural areas, would be forced to close over the next two years. There are still 195 cinemas in 137 localities in Finland, more than a quarter of which may have to close their doors," estimates Tero Koistinen, Managing Director of Filmikamari ry, the Confederation of Film Industry Associations.

Matti Numminen, Executive Director of Avate, an association of audiovisual industry professionals representing scriptwriters, actors and directors, points out the major impact of the cuts on the already challenging employment situation in the sector: "If the cuts are implemented, the sector could lose up to 200 person-years. For example, unemployment among freelance actors has already almost doubled from pre-covid levels."

Crew:

The Grump: Heikki Kinnunen
Text by Tuomas Kyrö
Directed by AJ Annila
Producer: Hanna Virolainen
Line producer: Maria Kaurismäki
Cinematography: Hena Blomberg
Editor: Joel Olander
Lighting: Aki Karppinen (Angel Films)
Lighting technician: Tommi Tuisku (Angel Films)
Camera assistant: Mika Vuorinen (Angel Films)
Still photographer: Mojo Erämetsä (Fremantle Finland)
Costume design & make-up: Marjut Samulin
Sound: Anssi Kainulainen
Sound designer: Olli Pärnänen (Meguru Film Sound)
Composer: Panu Aaltio
Music mixing: Mikko Raita
Lighting and camera equipment: Petri Anttonen (Angel Films)
Colour grading: Marko Terävä (Post Control)
Location: Rekolan Kino / Mikko Kiuru

For more information:
Laura Kuulasmaa, Managing Director
Audiovisual Producers Finland – APFI ry
+358 50 345 0056, [email protected]

Managing Director Tero Koistinen
Finnish Film Chamber of Commerce
+358 50 323 8582, [email protected]

Matti Numminen, Managing Director
Audiovisual Producers Avate ry
+358 50 467 0276, [email protected]