Timo Koivusalo, a prolific Finnish film director, shares his grim observations regarding the current state of the film industry in an interview with Satakunnan kansa. He reveals that almost three years have passed since his last film, Pelle Hermanni and the Hypnotist, and there are no new projects on the horizon despite having ideas in progress. Koivusalo emphasizes that the entire film sector is in a dire state, with television productions, streaming services, and feature films all suffering from reduced audience turnout and financial difficulties. He laments that securing funding for films is harder than it has ever been during his career.

The challenges facing the industry have been exacerbated by both the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing economic recession. According to Koivusalo, the pandemic prompted many viewers to turn to streaming services rather than visiting cinemas, and even now, audiences have not fully returned to theaters. He points out that the spontaneity of deciding to go to the movies has diminished greatly, with patrons feeling the need for a specific reason to visit a cinema.

Koivusalo raises a red flag about the potential for domestic film production in Finland to deteriorate if these trends continue. As a recognized figure in Finnish cinema, particularly known for his work on the Pekko Aikamiespoika films, his concerns echo a broader plea for the revitalization of the Finnish film industry. He expresses apprehension over the long-term implications of reduced audience engagement and financial backing for local filmmakers, urging for a renewed focus on the vitality of home-grown productions.