Dome Karukoski, a well-known director from Finland, made an appearance at the Jussi Gala with his new love, Inna Pölkki, who attended the event for the first time. The couple, who have been together for three years, expressed their deep affection for one another. Karukoski described the evening as a lovely date night and noted that they both enjoyed the event. Meanwhile, Pölkki revealed that her dress was a second-hand wedding gown, chosen because they are currently collaborating on a Greek wedding film together.

In his conversation with the media, Karukoski also shared insights on the state of the Finnish film industry. He characterized the situation as dual-faceted, indicating that while the quality of filmmaking is extremely high, there are significant challenges in securing adequate funding. He emphasized the importance of helping the public understand how the financing of the film industry operates, conveying that it is a productive sector that can generate revenue.

Karukoski's remarks highlight the need for improving support for the creative industries in Finland, drawing parallels with Denmark and Sweden, where investments in film have yielded export revenues. His advocacy for high artistic quality must also align with practical business needs, suggesting a pathway for growth that involves both artistic vision and sound financial backing.