Aalto University strengthens significantly Finnish film education and research
Film director and Senior university lecturer at Aalto University's Department of film, Hanna Maylett, has been appointed Assistant professor of film directing at the School of arts, design and architecture, starting from 1 October 2025. The working group preparing the appointment recommended Maylett for the position for a four-year term, based on the high quality of her artistic work and teaching.
In addition to Maylett, film director Juho Kuosmanen has been invited to a part-time (40%) position as Professor of Practice of film directing starting from 1 October 2025. The contract runs for five years.
'At Aalto University's School of arts, design and architecture, we have decided to invest in an exceptional way in the education and research of domestic film. This is particularly important in a situation where the industry has otherwise faced government cuts. The two new professor appointments strengthen the development of Finnish film,' says Dean of the School of arts, design and architecture Tuomas Auvinen and continues:
'It is important to invest in the film and audiovisual industry, as they generate well-being, employment and a stronger economy. We at Aalto want to ensure that Finnish film thrives both domestically and in the ever-changing international markets. Furthermore, it should be noted that the value of domestic film is not solely dependent on its commercial success, but film has true significance for national culture, identity as well as art.'
New professors bring complementary expertise
Hanna Maylett is a versatile film director and screenwriter whose artistic career encompasses feature films, TV series, short films and documentaries. She is known for her feature film "Erottamattomat" (Sisters Apart), which received three Jussi nominations in 2008, and awarded TV dramas such as "Raja" (shortlisted for Prix Europa Best Drama Series, shortlisted for Prix Italia Best Drama Series in 2013) and "Pala sydämestä" (A Piece of my Heart), (Monte Carlo Golden Nymph award in 2021). Since 2017, Maylett has served as Senior university lecturer in directing at Aalto University's Department of film, ELO.
In terms of research, she is particularly interested in the roles of artistic leadership and collaboration structures in the filmmaking process. She brings a curious and visionary perspective on the future challenges and needs of the industry, promoting inclusive and socially sustainable artistic practices.
Juho Kuosmanen is known for his films "Hytti nro 6" (Compartment Number 6) and "Hymyilevä mies" (The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Maki). Hymyilevä mies, Kuosmanen's first feature film, won the Un certain regard competition at Cannes in 2016. Hytti nro 6 received the prestigious Grand Prix award at Cannes Film Festival in 2021, considered the festival's silver prize. The film was also selected that year as Finland's Academy Award nominee.
A total of 24 applicants applied for the professorship of film directing, and the final stage included Hanna Maylett, Juho Kuosmanen, Aku Louhimies and Sofia Bohdanowicz. Dean Tuomas Auvinen made the decision to appoint.
Teaching and research in film and TV production also strengthened
In addition to film directing experts, Aalto University's Department of film ELO has recently made other new appointments. Producer and CEO of the film company Aamu, Jussi Rantamäki, was appointed to the Executive in Residence position in August last year 2024, with the term continuing until 31 July 2027. Jussi Rantamäki produces international, director-driven films with a long-term working relationship with a few directors.
Additionally, the dean appointed Master of Arts Nina Laurio to a permanent position in the university lecturer career system at the Department of film in February 2025. The area of her lectureship is film and TV production.
The long-term work of Aalto University's Department of film ELO, was recognised in August at the Norwegian International Film Festival in Haugesund. The entire department uniquely received an honourable mention for 'providing much-needed hope for the future of the industry.'
More information:
Tuomas Auvinen
Dean, School of arts, design and architecture at Aalto University
tel. +358 50 64848, dean-arts@aalto.fi
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