Jalmari Helander

Biography

Jalmari Helander (born July 21, 1976, in Helsinki, Finland) is a Finnish film director and screenwriter known for his unique blend of action, dark comedy, and adventure, often featuring a distinctively Finnish sensibility.

Biography and Early Career

Despite being rejected from film school, Helander pursued his passion and completed vocational training in editing, which he later considered a valuable asset. Before moving to feature films, he built his career directing several short films and winning awards for various television commercials, including work for major Finnish brands.

His early work included shorts like Maximillian Tarzan (1999) and the fantasy-themed Rare Exports Inc. (2003). He frequently collaborates with his brother-in-law, actor Jorma Tommila, and his nephew, Onni Tommila.

Major Films and Style

Helander's feature filmography showcases his flair for stylized, high-concept narratives:

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010): Based on his award-winning short film, this international breakthrough feature is a dark fantasy-horror film about a group of men who discover the truth about Santa Claus in the mountains of northern Finland.

Big Game (2014): A major action-adventure film starring Samuel L. Jackson as the President of the United States, who crash-lands in Finland and must rely on a 13-year-old boy for survival. This film secured the highest film budget in Finnish history at the time.

Sisu (2022): A hyper-violent action-Western set during World War II, following a solitary prospector fighting Nazis in Lapland. The title references the untranslatable Finnish concept of fierce determination and courage.

Helander's work is characterized by its highly cinematic action, a playful mix of genres, and a dark, dry sense of humor. His films have achieved notable international recognition and global distribution.