SF Studios is set to co-produce and distribute “Kalevala: The Story of Kullervo,” a big-budget historical drama based on the Finnish national epic “Kalevala” that will be directed by Antti J. Jokinen (“Helene,” “Purge”).
Nordic stars Elias Salonen (Adults, Siege) and Eero Aho (The Unknown Soldier) are set to star in the film. ReelMedia’s Johanna Enasu and Marko Rohr are producing the film, while SF Studios will distribute the film in the Nordics and it is expected to be released in Finnish theaters in early 2026. REinvent has achieved international sales.
Kalevala: The Tale of Kullervo is the first feature film adaptation of the Finnish national epic poem Kalevala, which blends Karelian and Finnish folklore and mythology and was created in 1835 by Elias Lönnrot, a Finnish physician and explorer.
The film is set in the 12th century and will be shot on location in Bomba, near Lake Pielinen in Nurmes in North Karelia. Extensive sets are being built, including houses, warehouses and courtyards. Filming will begin in mid-September.
“We are very proud to be involved in bringing this story of local strength to the public,” said Jappa Holst, executive producer at SF Studios. The ambitious project “has a lot of expectations, demands and excitement,” Holst said. “The collaborative effort with Reel Media and Antti Jokinen has been fantastic, promising an extraordinary cinematic experience for Finnish screens,” Holst continued.
Besides Salonen and Aho, the band includes Ilkka Koivula, Olli Rahkonen, Krista Kosonen and Johannes Holopainen.
“Kalevala is an exciting project for REinvent,” said Ricky Ennis, CEO of REinvent International Sales. “Ante is a fantastic director and we are confident that he will masterfully execute this epic action film based on the Norse myth of Kalevala.”
“Kalevala: The Story of Kullervo” is a co-production between Antti J. Jokinen's production company Storm Inc. and Marko Röhr and Johanna Enäsuo's ReelMedia Oy. The film is produced in cooperation with SF Studios, the Finnish Film Foundation and Yleisradio. “Kalevala: The Story of Kullervo” was also financed by the North Karelia Cooperation Association (PKO), Nordisk Film & TV Fond and the North Karelia Regional Council.
Antti J. Jokinen, Copyright Antti Rastivo
