On December 26, 2025, Helsingin Sanomat published a comprehensive and widely discussed ranking of the one hundred greatest Finnish films of this millennium. The list was compiled through a vote by filmmakers, critics, and industry professionals, and features works from different genres and generations. Among the selected titles are two documentary films produced by Mouka Filmi: The Punk Syndrome– directed by Jukka Kärkkäinen and J-P Passi (2012), and The Living Room of the Nation – directed by Jukka Kärkkäinen (2009). Both films were produced by Sami Jahnukainen.
The films have previously received extensive recognition both in Finland and internationally, but inclusion on Helsingin Sanomat’ list now places them firmly within the broader canon of contemporary Finnish cinema.
Helsingin Sanomat invited 101 film experts—directors, actors, producers, critics, researchers, and cinema operators—to vote for the most significant Finnish films of the 21st century. The result is a diverse selection spanning drama, comedy, children’s films, documentaries, and short films. The strong presence of documentaries on the list highlights the genre’s central role in Finnish film culture.
The inclusion of Mouka Film’s productions is a significant acknowledgment of the company’s long-term commitment to Finnish documentary cinema. The Living Room of the Nation is known for its intimate and humane exploration of Finnish identity and has been screened internationally, including at MoMA. The Punk Syndrome, in turn, is one of the most discussed Finnish documentaries of the 2000s, having won, among other honors, the Jussi Award, the Finnish State Prize for Film Art, and the Prix Europa Award.
The Helsingin Sanomat list serves as a reminder that, despite challenging times, Finnish cinema continues to experience a strong and vibrant creative period.
Jukka Kärkkäinen
https://www.hs.fi/taide/art-2000011662658.html
