Jan Artiček | Finland Today | News in English

Finlandia Hall Presents: Little Finlandia!

Posted by Jan Artiček | March 12, 2022 6:59 pm | Business, Culture, Feature

We attended the grand opening of Little Finlandia, a spectacular piece of architecture suitable for congresses, parties and more.

‘Licorice Pizza’ Film Review: P. T. Anderson on a Nostalgic Joyride Through 70s Los Angeles

Posted by Jan Artiček | March 10, 2022 1:20 pm | Films

Here’s our five-star review.

John Landis at Night Visions Film Festival: ‘It’s a Mistake to Direct When You’re in a Gorilla Suit’

Posted by Jan Artiček | December 23, 2021 4:01 pm | Films

Director John Landis’ masterclass was a delight for any cinema enthusiast and aspiring filmmaker during the Night Visions Film Festival in early December in Helsinki. Landis is, among others, the director of ‘Blues Brothers,’ a film widely heralded as one of the best comedies of our times.

James Bond Welcomes Viewers to Helsinki’s Korjaamo Kino

Posted by Jan Artiček | October 2, 2021 2:37 pm | Films, Helsinki

We spoke with one of the owners of Korjaamo Kino, Finnish actor Antti Luusuaniemi, about the new concept for the venue, its place in Helsinki cinema culture, and, of course, about James Bond.

Here Are the Highlights of the Government’s Budget Proposal for 2022

Posted by Jan Artiček | September 11, 2021 12:44 pm | Politics

The proposal, for example, seems committed to increasing work-based immigration. Here are the highlights.

Let There Be Light: Sterlights Fights Pandemics with Ultraviolet (UVC) Technology

Posted by Jan Artiček | February 19, 2021 10:59 am | Business, Sponsored content

Established in July of 2020, the company champions the use of so-called far-UVC light as a method of disinfection for air, surfaces, spaces, objects, and more.

An Interview With Restaurant Manager: There’s No Data to Backup That Nightclubs Are the Main Cause for Spreading Covid-19

Posted by Jan Artiček | October 11, 2020 6:50 am | Interview

We spoke with Joni Bitter, restaurant manager at Bar Loose in Helsinki, about the problems the businesses in the field are facing.

Ministry: The Pandemic Has Caused Less Damage to Finnish Economy Than to Most Economies in Europe

Posted by Jan Artiček | October 10, 2020 8:45 am | Nation

The Ministry of Finance publishes its latest economic survey, which forecasts how Finland’s economy is likely to respond to the pandemic.

Finnish Forest Industry to End Collective Bargaining; Companies’ Needs Will Be Better Met, According to Metsä Group’s CEO

Posted by Jan Artiček | October 6, 2020 8:49 am | Business

The decision, according to Metsä Group’s CEO Ilkka Hämälä, will enable the forest industry in Finland to continue thriving.

Study Shows Over 70% of Finnish Higher Education Students Hopeful About Their Future

Posted by Jan Artiček | October 2, 2020 9:23 am | Nation

Eurostudent VII study indicates that 90% of higher education degree holders have found a job within a year after graduation. The study also found that labor- and education-related immigration needs to increase significantly in Finland.

Merger Between Altia and Arcus Aims to Create Leading Wine and Spirits Brand in the Nordics

Posted by Jan Artiček | September 30, 2020 10:34 am | Business, Food & Drinks

The two companies join forces to reach new markets.

Changes to Public Transport in Helsinki, Vantaa and Espoo Area in August

Posted by Jan Artiček | July 24, 2020 10:40 am | Helsinki, Nation

HSL will introduce changes to certain routes in an effort to cut operating costs in the downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

I Jumped on the Robot Bus

Posted by Jan Artiček | June 14, 2020 8:55 am | Helsinki

I took a ride on the driverless bus that is being tested on the streets of Helsinki.

PICTURES: Bars and Restaurants Reopen For Business; Some Helsinki Terraces Full

Posted by Jan Artiček | June 2, 2020 5:34 pm | Business, Helsinki, Nation

As the government eases restrictions and summer begins, bars in Helsinki welcome people to their sun-lit terraces.

Study Shows Anti-Immigration Attitudes Prevalent Among Affluent Finnish Youth

Posted by Jan Artiček | April 20, 2020 4:00 pm | Politics

Research from Rasmus Mannerström (University of Helsinki) and colleagues explores political opinions of young people in Finland.

#IamSuomiToo Campaign Launches Petition for Better Access to Mental Health Care for All Finnish Residents

Posted by Jan Artiček | March 9, 2020 3:03 pm | Nation

The petition hopes to raise awareness about unequitable access to mental health care affecting foreign residents.

Interview with Finns Party Chair Jussi Halla-aho: ‘EU Acted Irresponsibly by Outsourcing Border Control to Turkey’

Posted by Jan Artiček | March 3, 2020 5:16 pm | Politics

We spoke with the leader of the opposition about the current crisis on the border between Greece and Turkey.

Foreign Minister Haavisto Under Investigation over Handling of Al Hol Scandal

Posted by Jan Artiček | February 20, 2020 2:25 pm | Government, Politics

The investigation will focus on dispute between Haavisto and one of his top officials.

‘Richard Jewell’ Film Review: Clint Eastwood Continues His Exploration of Real-Life Heroism

Posted by Jan Artiček | February 19, 2020 7:01 pm | Films, Nation

Not all heroes wear capes, nor always get the credit they deserve.

‘The Peanut Butter Falcon’ Film Review: A Feel-good Odyssey Through the American South

Posted by Jan Artiček | February 14, 2020 1:55 pm | Films

Shia LaBeouf and Zack Gottsagen are a heart-warming duo on the run.

Fruitful Meeting Between Foreign Minister Haavisto and His Polish Counterpart, Czaputowicz

Posted by Jan Artiček | February 13, 2020 4:03 pm | Government, Politics

The diplomats-in-chief discussed regional security matters and bilateral cooperation.

INTERVIEW: Interior Ministers of Sweden and Finland Talk About Enhancing Police Cooperation at Borders and in Society

Posted by Jan Artiček | February 11, 2020 9:28 am | Nation, Politics

In our interview, the two ministers, Maria Ohisalo and Mikael Damberg, discuss taking “their collaboration to the next level.”

DocPoint Film Festival Breaks Crowd Record: 32,000

Posted by Jan Artiček | February 3, 2020 7:39 pm | Arts, Entertainment, Films, Nation

My own selection of films included some renowned names of documentary cinema.

Helsinki Police Ban Neo-Nazi March Scheduled for Independence Day; Soldiers of Odin to March in the Afternoon

Posted by Jan Artiček | December 5, 2019 7:25 pm | Helsinki

Soldiers of Odin are arranging a protest called “Bring Back Safe Finland.”

Up to 1,500 Public Sector Workers Go on Three-Day Strike in Turku

Posted by Jan Artiček | November 27, 2019 5:49 pm | Nation, Politics

Starting on Wednesday, a three-day strike, organized by JHL, The Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Sectors, will disrupt daycare centers, schools and public transport in the Turku region.

‘Surfer: Teen Confronts Fear’ Film Review: So Strange and Unpolished, It’s Amusing

Posted by Jan Artiček | November 27, 2019 5:27 pm | Films

The titular surfer, played by Douglas’ son Sage Burke, is a teenage boy who wiped out on a huge wave some time ago and has since been afraid to get back in the water.

VIDEO: Emma Smith of Eversend, Winner of Slush 100 Start-up Competition: Our Company Started From Sending Money to Grandma

Posted by Jan Artiček | November 23, 2019 4:43 pm | Business

Eversend is a neobank for Africa, which hopes to make banking services accessible for a large number of Africans.

The CEO of President Barack Obama’s Foundation at Slush: We Should Channel Our Creative Energies Into Things That Affect Our Lives

Posted by Jan Artiček | November 23, 2019 2:32 pm | Business

We listened in as David Simas, the CEO of the Obama Foundation, spoke with Finnish activist Maryan Abdulkarim about the importance of building bridges between and within communities, especially by helping empower good ideas and entrepreneurs.

The Pros and Cons of a Proposed Flight Tax in Finland

Posted by Jan Artiček | November 6, 2019 9:02 am | Travel

A citizens’ initiative for taxing air travel gathers over 50,000 signatures and heads to the parliament for consideration.

‘Zombieland: Double Tap’ Film Review: Bigger Scale, Lesser Effort

Posted by Jan Artiček | October 22, 2019 6:02 pm | Culture, Films

Unfortunately, the creators bet everything on banter and the occasional zombie-killing spree, though even that seemed in short supply until the final showdown.

PICTURES: Mall of Tripla Opens on Thursday in Pasila

Posted by Jan Artiček | October 16, 2019 8:00 pm | Culture, Entertainment, Food & Drinks, Gallery, Helsinki, Lifestyle

Located in Pasila, Mall of Tripla will reportedly be the biggest shopping center in the Nordic countries, but also promises much more.

‘Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love’ Film Review: A Portrait of an Artist and His Muse

Posted by Jan Artiček | October 11, 2019 9:37 am | Films

The story is told through archive footage, photographs, audio recordings and video interviews of those who saw Marianne’s and Leonard’s love story unfold firsthand.

‘Joker’ Film Review: Decent, but Doesn’t Live Up to the Hype

Posted by Jan Artiček | October 3, 2019 12:41 pm | Films, Nation

Todd Phillips’ take on the Joker falls short of high expectations, despite an amazing Joaquin Phoenix.

Here’s A List of Some of the Best Films We Watched at the Helsinki International Film Festival – Love & Anarchy

Posted by Jan Artiček | September 28, 2019 3:10 pm | Films

Here’s a list of some of the top movies that screened at HIFF Love and Anarchy.

We Talked About Trainhopping, Cockfighting and Music With Filmmaker Arno Bitschy and Composer Warren Ellis

Posted by Jan Artiček | September 28, 2019 8:35 am | Culture, Films, Nation

In his latest project, French filmmaker Arno Bitschy collaborated with Warren Ellis, a composer and a member of alt-rock group Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds.

Icelandic Actor Ingvar Sigurdsson: Every Day I Felt That I Was Doing Something Important

Posted by Jan Artiček | September 26, 2019 4:45 pm | Nation

Ingvar Sigurdsson visited Helsinki to present the film ‘A White, White Day,’ in which he plays the leading role, to Finnish moviegoers at HIFF Love and Anarchy.

‘Deerskin’ Film Review: Jean Dujardin Is Too Cool For Corduroy

Posted by Jan Artiček | September 24, 2019 3:18 pm | Nation

In this dark comedy by French auteur Quentin Dupieux, we follow Jean Dujardin on a mission to rid the world of jackets.

German Filmmaker Pia Hellenthal: Getting Everything Out Openly, Honestly, Is a Start

Posted by Jan Artiček | September 24, 2019 2:54 pm | Nation

Hellenthal is an engaging talker, and she spoke about the ideas informing her film with expressive hand gestures and by using table objects to visualize her points.

Danish Director Laurits Flensted-Jensen: I’m Interested in Exploring Themes We Are Afraid to Talk About

Posted by Jan Artiček | September 23, 2019 5:11 pm | Nation

Director Laurits Flensted-Jensen is presenting his debut feature film, Neon Heart, to audiences at HIFF Love and Anarchy. We talked about the themes running through his film as well as the filming process itself.

‘Anthropocene: The Human Epoch’ Film Review: A Document That Doesn’t Preach But Shows How We Change the Planet

Posted by Jan Artiček | September 21, 2019 12:23 pm | Nation

Unlike most environmentalist documentaries out there, Anthropocene assumes no moral high ground, doesn’t preach, implore, judge or display righteous indignation.

‘Jesus Shows You the Way to the Highway’ Film Review: If You Make it to the End, You May Find Out What Stalin Wants

Posted by Jan Artiček | September 21, 2019 12:04 pm | Nation

‘Jesus Shows You the Way to the Highway (2019)’ is the latest turn from Spanish auteur Miguel Llanso, who is attending Helsinki’s Love and Anarchy film festival, where audiences can see the movie—and then wonder what on Earth they just witnessed.

Spanish Director Miguel Llanso to Finland Today: “Why am I Going to Ikea Again? Why?”

Posted by Jan Artiček | September 21, 2019 11:39 am | Nation

Spanish writer-director Miguel Llanso presents his new film ‘Jesus Shows You the Way to the Highway’ at HIFF Love and Anarchy. We sat down with Llanso to chat about his inspirations for the film, Afrofuturism, technology and power and his creative influences.

Love and Anarchy Film Festival Opens on Thursday

Posted by Jan Artiček | September 19, 2019 5:29 pm | Nation

For the next 10 days, cinemas all around Helsinki will be a cinephile’s paradise, catering to all tastes.

Opinion: The Problem With Posti Nobody Is Talking About

Posted by Jan Artiček | September 17, 2019 5:13 pm | Nation

While the government has promised to look into the matter and introduce changes to executive salaries, the matter also raises the issue of whether Posti would work better as a public or private company.

Russian President Vladimir Putin Visited Finland – Here’s What we Learned

Posted by Jan Artiček | August 21, 2019 11:55 pm | Politics

On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Helsinki to meet with Finnish President Sauli Niinistö.

‘Midsommar’ Film Review: Pagan Midsummer Festival in Sweden Turns Into a Psychedelic Horror Trip

Posted by Jan Artiček | July 9, 2019 1:50 pm | Films, Nation

We are dealing with the strange world of pagan ritual here. But is it good? Read our review.

Conscripts’ Union Proposes a (More or Less) Voluntary and Gender Equal Conscription System

Posted by Jan Artiček | July 9, 2019 8:08 am | Nation

We spoke with Matias Pajula, chairman of the conscripts’ union, who explained the proposed changes and the reasons for them.

New Government’s Tax Policy Brings No Major Changes for Entrepreneurship, Fiscal Policy More Concerning

Posted by Jan Artiček | June 6, 2019 7:33 am | Business, Politics

We interviewed the chief economist at Suomen Yrittäjät about how the new government program might affect small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in Finland.

Antti Rinne’s Coalition Announces New Government Program – Aims to Build an Inclusive and Competent Finland

Posted by Jan Artiček | June 3, 2019 5:35 pm | Nation, Politics

The new government aims to build an “inclusive and competent Finland” and transform the country into a “socially, economically and ecologically sustainable society by 2030.”