Mika Orasmaa

Biography

Mika Orasmaa is an acclaimed Finnish Director of Photography (DOP), known for his work in both international and domestic film and television productions, particularly in the action and genre film space. He is a member of the Finnish Society of Cinematographers (F.S.C.).

Biography and Training

Mika Orasmaa was born in Valkeala, Finland, in 1976. He pursued his education in filmmaking at the University of Art and Design Helsinki. His career as a cinematographer for film and television began in 1997.

Career and Notable Works

Orasmaa has built an extensive filmography spanning various genres and countries, demonstrating a versatility across low to high-budget productions. He has frequently been the visual force behind the most prominent Finnish action and fantasy films of the last two decades.

His key feature film collaborations with director Jalmari Helander are particularly notable:

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010): This dark fantasy film was a major international breakout success, and Orasmaa's cinematography, which captured the icy Lappish landscapes, was highly praised.

Big Game (2014): An action-adventure film featuring an international cast.

Sisu: Road to Revenge (2025): The sequel to the highly successful action thriller Sisu.

Other prominent films Orasmaa has worked on include:

Iron Sky (2012) and Iron Sky: The Coming Race (2019): Science-fiction comedies.

The Unknown Soldier (2017): A Finnish war film.

Christmas Story (2007): A family film.

He has also worked on international television series, including:

Doctor Who (for BBC/Disney+)

The Killing Kind (for Paramount+)

Why Didn't They Ask Evans? (an Agatha Christie project directed by Hugh Laurie)

World on Fire (WWII drama for the BBC)

Bordertown (Nordic noir series).

Awards and Recognition

Orasmaa has received significant recognition for his work, including multiple nominations and wins for the Jussi Award (the Finnish equivalent of the Oscars) for Best Cinematography. He won the Jussi Award for his work on Christmas Story and Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale. He also received the Best Cinematography award at the Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival for Rare Exports.