Shadows in Paradise – Malla Hukkanen’s Photographs from Aki Kaurismäki Film Productions

Photographer Malla Hukkanen has worked as a still photographer and script supervisor on numerous Aki Kaurismäki films since 1984. The Shadows in Paradise exhibition presents a comprehensive selection of photographs taken over the course of this long journey. The images extend all the way to Kaurismäki’s most recent film, Fallen Leaves (2023).

In her work as a photographer, Malla Hukkanen has skilfully balanced her dual roles as a still photographer and script supervisor. While living the everyday reality of filmmaking as a member of various production crews, she has captured the most intimate emotions of the films in her photographs. While the black-and-white and colour images lift the curtain on the making of Aki Kaurismäki’s films, they also stand as independent works of art. Hukkanen’s work continues the skilled tradition of still photography in Finnish cinema.

Malla Hukkanen (b. 1959) studied at the Liminka School of Art and graduated as a photographer from the Lahti Institute of Design and Fine Arts in 1983. She was awarded at the Midnight Sun Film Festival in 1996 for her significant contribution to cinema and received the State Prize for the Arts in 2007. In 2024, Hukkanen was honoured with the Matti Pellonpää Award for Film Culture.

In cooperation with: Sputnik Oy and Kino Laika

Shadows in Paradise – Malla Hukkanen’s Photographs from Aki Kaurismäki Film Productions
Sept 26, 2025–Feb 15, 2026
Riihisaari – Savonlinna Museum

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Please note: The museum is closed for maintenance from January 7 to 26, 2026.