Film festivals, Angry Birds café and Käärijä on tour

Two Finnish films were showcased at Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland in early August. The documentary film Wanha Markku, directed by Markus Toivo, was part of the festival’s Critics’ Week programming. In addition, Teemu Nikki’s film Snot & Splash was shown at Locarno Kids Screenings. Read more about the two titles on the Finnish Film Foundation website.

Marimekko has released its spring-summer 2024 collection. The fashion house revealed its new colourful garments and celebrated the 60th anniversary of its Unikko print at Copenhagen Fashion Week in an open-for-all runway show. “Set at Designmuseum Danmark, the show featured the signature Unikko motif, which was balanced out with minimalist silhouettes with a touch of utilitarianism,” Hypebae writes about the show. 

Further celebrations are in order. Onoffice explores the story of Alvar Aalto’s iconic Artek Stool 60, which turns 90 this year, and says: “Yet it manages to simultaneously exude a sense of history and understated innovation, which is exactly why it’s currently celebrating 90 years of continuous production."

Käärijä goes Europe. The Finnish Eurovision phenomenon embarks on his first international tour in October. According to Music Finland, the tour covers eight European cities, including Stockholm, Berlin and London and was sold out within the first 24 hours in five locations, writes Music Finland. 

British Vogue has picked three rising brands from Copenhagen Fashion Week and chosen Finland’s Rolf Ekroth among them. Ekroth started his label in 2016 after graduating from Aalto University. “Since then, the former pro poker player has become known for his upcycled designs – including, memorably, a jacket made from friendship bracelets – that are imbued with reflections on the past,” Vogue writes.

Visiting Toronto International Film Festival in September? Take a look at some of the Finnish films screened at the festival. These include Heta Jäälinoja’s award-winning animated short film Nun or Never! and Aki Kaurismäki’s new feature film Fallen Leaves, which has been selected for the festival’s Centerpiece programme.

Darude is back. This time the dance music legend has teamed up with British singer-songwriter Gid Sedwick to release their debut single, Nobody Listens. Celebmix describes the track as a “true dancefloor disruptor that demands your undivided attention”.

Can’t get enough of Angry Birds? New York has a place for you. The world’s first Angry Birds Café has opened in the city and, according to Rovio, offers pastries, bubble teas, a retail section and photo opportunities with the game’s characters

Finnish jazz collective Oiro Pena has released a brand new album, Puna. Jazziz has selected the album on its August list of 10 Albums You Need To Know and writes: “Recorded in bedrooms, studios and other locations around Helsinki during 2022, the record offers a captivating mix of lo-fi spiritual jazz, experimental and avant-garde music forms.” 

Big congratulations to Genelec. Finland’s Chamber of Commerce has chosen the loudspeaker system specialist as the country’s Brand of the Year. “The uniqueness and continuous renewal of the brand are driven by research, innovation and IPR, as well as the commitment of its personnel,” said the award jury.