Aki Kaurismäki began his career in the arts as a critic, bricklayer, and postman before transitioning into cinema through his work as an actor and co-writer. Born in Orimattila in 1957, the Finnish director built a career defined by a minimalist, deadpan aesthetic that explores the resilience of the working class against unromantic, urban backdrops.
Early Career and Directional Debut
Kaurismäki started in the industry collaborating with his brother Mika. The pair co-founded the production company Villealfa Filmproductions and established the Midnight Sun Film Festival. His transition to directing occurred with the 1983 film Crime and Punishment, a modern adaptation of the Dostoyevsky novel set in Helsinki. He subsequently achieved global recognition for Leningrad Cowboys Go America in 1989.
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As an auteur who typically writes, produces, and edits his own projects, Kaurismäki maintains a distinct personal style. His films feature static camera work and plain, deliberate pacing. Characters often inhabit environments that evoke the 1960s and 1970s while navigating personal tragedies. Despite his critical view of Helsinki, he consistently sets his narratives within the city, even while maintaining a residence in Lisbon since 1989.
Political Engagement
Kaurismäki’s work is frequently informed by his advocacy for the working class and his opposition to strict immigration policies. He produced The Other Side of Hope to challenge public attitudes toward refugees. Beyond his cinema, he has participated in various collective political actions, including signing letters in support of the British Labour Party in 2019 and expressing opposition to Finland’s potential NATO entry in 2023.
Media Preservation
The director has been an outspoken critic of digital cinematography, labeling it an invention that threatens human culture. While he eventually allowed his work to be rendered into digital formats to ensure public access, he has consistently maintained a preference for traditional 35 mm film stock. His commitment to physical cinema space is further evidenced by his ownership of the Andorra complex in Helsinki and the Kino Laika cinema in Karkkila.
Fast facts
- Born: 1957, Orimattila
- Education: University of Tampere
- Notable films include Leningrad Cowboys Go America, Drifting Clouds, and The Man Without a Past
- Awarded the Pro Finlandia Medal of the Order of the Lion of Finland in 1994
- Recipient of the Silver Bear for Best Director in 2017
- Recipient of the Berliner Kunstpreis in 2005
- Recipient of the Leopard of Honour in 2006
- Recipient of the Louis Delluc Prize in 2011
Questions readers ask
Why does Aki Kaurismäki set his films in Helsinki despite living in Portugal?
He has noted that he moved to Portugal because he felt there were no places left in Helsinki to place his camera, yet he continued to utilize the city as the primary setting for his work.
What is Kaurismäki's stance on digital film?
He has been a vocal critic of digital cinematography, preferring traditional 35 mm film, though he eventually permitted his work to be digitized to ensure it remains accessible to audiences.
Achievements
- Knight of the Legion of Honour — 2001
- Pro Finlandia Medal of the Order of the Lion of Finland — 1994
- Worked as film director, film editor and actor
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