MIKKI KUNTTU (Production House, 2023)

The documentary about Mikki Kunttu, one of the world's top 10 lighting designers, became timely with his approaching 50th birthday, during which Kunttu planned to organize a major central lighting designers' symposium in Tampere in 2022. Created by Kaapo Kamu, Gugge Wasenius, Laura Pulli, producer Liisa Akimof, and editor H.P Vaara, the documentary follows the story of how Kunttu developed into one of the world's leading lighting designers. The documentary examines Kunttu's path and delves into the nuances of the field, contemplating Kunttu's challenge of constantly seeking inspiration to continue advancing in his career. Throughout the process, the team understood how taxing continuous development is on the individual.

Kunttu had gone through two marriages. The shadow of his father seemed to follow him too easily in a profession that largely operates at night. Professionally, Kunttu had already achieved almost everything, so in the end, to survive, Kunttu decided to quit everything. The only solace seemed to be found in his children and ultra running.

However, the field did not want to let him go. One irresistible job offer emerged, which seemed to entangle Kunttu even more, until a radical reinterpretation resulted in something entirely new.

The story of Mikki Kunttu was the first TV documentary by Kamu, Wasenius, and Pulli. Produced on a very small budget, the documentary manages to capture Kunttu's story in an interesting and visually compelling way. The documentary was rebroadcast on the YLE (Finnish Broadcasting Company) channel in 2023 at the audience's request and is available on-demand on YLE Areena. Unfortunately, due to copyright restrictions, the program can only be viewed in Finland or by YLE's registered Finnish viewers.