BLOOD BERRIES: JUSTICE FOR THAI BERRY PICKERS – Kino Caisa: I Don’t Dream of Labour

What dreams are sold to us as a means of freedom? And what happens when these dreams shatter?

Since 2005, Thai workers have formed the backbone of the Finnish berry industry. Prospective workers often go into debt to be able to afford travel to Finland, advertised as a good way to make a living and support their families.

The reality is a far cry from it.

Berry pickers work excruciatingly long hours, live in poorly equipped accommodation without enough food, and often find that after the deductions from their wages, they are left with barely any money at the end of their contracts.

In September 2025, a court in Finland sentenced the chief executive of a Finnish berry company to three years in prison for human trafficking. Finland has also changed immigration and work permit rules to prevent foreign workers from being brought in on tourist visas to carry out seasonal berry picking. Still, many berry pickers have not received adequate compensation and continue to face insurmountable amounts of debt.

We will screen “Blood Berries”, a film which documents the harrowing experiences of Thai workers and their search for justice.

The screening is followed by a discussion on the film and current developments of the campaign.

The programme is curated by Adalmiina Erkkola, a cultural producer interested in the political potential of film. They also host the No Man’s Land radio show at IDA Helsinki.