The Most Important Source of Support for Finnish Culture in the United States



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Finnish American Folk School offers a summer weaving class; see item below

Did you know...

...that you can learn about Aki Kaurismäki from Andrew Nestingen, an expert on the Finnish filmmaker and his movies at a free virtual program at 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 21?

Andrew Nestingen (above), professor of Finnish Studies and Scandinavian Studies at the University of Washington, Seattle, is author of many articles and books, including The Cinema of Aki Kaurismäki: Contrarian Stories (2013). 

Kaurismäki has long been one of Finland's famous artists and its most well known filmmaker. He has made more than 25 films since his debut in 1981.

His Fallen Leaves was a critical darling in 2023, nominated for some two dozen film prizes and recipient of the Jury Prize at the Cannes International Film Festival.

What are his films about? What is their style and where does it come from? What is it that critics respond to?

This conversation will unspool Kaurismäki's films, their style and Kaurismäki's career. The aim is to answer some of the main questions that might interest you.

Viewers will get a list of some films to watch and some inspiration about what to look for in watching Kaurismäki's films. 

Greetings:

May is a lovely time of year. Many of you are engaged in graduation celebrations and ceremonies, finishing your studies and looking forward to summer plans, whether staying at home or traveling somewhere new. May 17 is a special day for our Norwegian and Norwegian-American friends---the celebration of Norway’s Constitution Day, or Syttende Mai. So, in recognition of the day to our Nordic neighbors, onnea / grattis / congratulations, or in Norwegian, gratulerer med dagen!  

FFN has a full slate of interesting online Finnposium programming in the coming weeks. From films to sauna, art and music, we have got it all covered. We hope to see you in one of these upcoming webinar events.

Additionally, Finns and Finnish-Americans are gearing up for midsummer, or Juhannus, next month. Many will look forward to some time off or time spent in nature. We are also happy to have programming in Hancock at the Finnish American Heritage Center. See below for more information.

Looking further ahead, FFN is very excited for FinnFest USA this July in Duluth. We will be there in full force. You can find us at the tori displaying information about our programs and events, as well as catch a session with our Performer of the Year Miska Kajanus and Lecturer of the Year Hanna Pylväinen.

Additionally, we will have a pop-up with North Wind Books, where you will find products, books and promotions on some of your favorite Finnish-American items.

This Sunday, May 19 at 8 p.m. (Eastern), you are invited to learn more about FinnFest 2024 by logging onto their info webinar. (See calendar below.)

As always, thank you, our members and followers, for making all of our work of promoting and advancing Finnish and Finnish-American heritage and culture possible.

Sincerely,

Tommy Flanagan 

Executive Director

thomas.flanagan@finlandiafoundation.org

You could learn Finnish! We're hosting in-person Finnish language learning opportunities in June at the Finnish American Heritage Center. Taught by Becky Luoma of Language Clubhouse, classes will emphasize fun and interactive learning for children and adults. Click below for class info and schedules. Registration is open now through June 3rd, or until sold out.

Visiting Hancock? Click here for travel information from Visit Keweenaw.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

All times are Eastern

May 19: 8 p.m. FinnFest 2024 Info Session & Q&A; for the Zoom link click here

May 21: 8 p.m. Finnposium: Filmmaker Aki Kaurismäki with Andrew Nestingen; click here

May 30: 1 p.m. Finnposium: Frank Eld on Taking the Smoke Out of the Mystery of the Savusauna and the Savutupa; click here

June 4: Noon Finnposium:Baltic Bowed Lyres with Alice Margerum; click here

June 18: 4 p.m. Finnposium: Reconnecting to My Finnish Roots with artist Heather Hietala; click here

June 30: FFN Communications Director application deadine; click here

July 24-28: FinnFest USA 2024 in Duluth; click here

August 6: 8 p.m. Virtual Joint Chapters Meeting

October 1: Lindfors Law Scholarship application deadine; click here



4th National Sauna Week: February 16-22, 2025

The Kivajat Finnish Dancers, led by founder Kay Seppala and sponsored by the Finnish American Heritage Center, is now celebrating 20 years. The group is for kindergarteners through teens who meet regularly to learn and perform traditional folk dances.

Kivajat received a 2024 grant from FFN that will help to refresh and expand its costume collection, and create a contemporary costume for the teens.

Your contribution makes FFN grants and other programs possible. And, it goes twice as far because it is matched dollar-for-dollar by the Paloheimo Foundation (up to $100,000 annually). Finlandia Foundation National, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your donation is tax deductible.

Please make your gift today.

Thank You!

Kiitos!

Tack!