The documentary film Kapina elämän puolesta (Rebellion for Future) shows the work of the Elokapina community from the inside.

The camera follows events closely over two years, both in Lapland and on the streets of Helsinki. The people in the film call for responsibility from those most responsible for the climate crisis and biodiversity loss. The activists want a viable planet, but time and time again they find that ensuring that the never-ending queue of trucks to the pulp mill can continue trumps the future of humanity.

What is the price to pay for criticising the status quo? How does it feel to be confronted with powerful authorities and heavy-handedness? Saku Soukka’s debut film brings to light the people behind the actions of Elokapina. They do not want to be vilified, but they see no other option. “I couldn’t think of anything else that would work,” says a rebel. In an effort to contain the climate crisis and biodiversity loss, the rebels are using their own bodies to block factories, means of production and streets. Discussions and confrontations with the police are tense, and the rebels sometimes end up in custody, on trial and also subjected to violence.

The documentary film highlights injustice, but a silver lining shines through the despair. The activists’ sense of community, solidarity and care for each other will pull at the heartstrings of the viewer. Perhaps there is still hope that humanity and nature will be saved. At least the rebels have not given up.

The film is written, directed and shot by photographer Saku Soukka. In filmmaking, he is fascinated by the possibility of a more narrative form of work that combines many of the forms of expression he has used in the past. When making a documentary film, he tries to ensure that the events being filmed can take place as freely as possible, despite being filmed.

The film will be accompanied by a meeting with the director.

Directed by: Saku Soukka
Languages: Finnish, English
Subtitles: partly in English, partly in Finnish
Recommended age: lower secondary school and upper secondary level
Duration: 80 min + director meeting 20–30 min
Theme: Fight the Power
Keywords: Relationship with nature, Society, Human rights

Free admission, groups are required to register in advance: kultus.hel.fi from 13 January from 10.00 onwards.