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Storfinnhova Gård (Smoke Sauna)

On the largest island off the Archipelago coast of Finland, explore the unique offering of Storfinnhova Gård, a sauna produced entirely with smoke.

In the heart of Finland's enchanting Kemiönsaari island, nestled within the tranquil village of Björkboda, lies a hidden gem – the Storfinnhova Gård smoke sauna. Samuel, seeking respite from the city, journeys to this unique retreat, 150 kilometers from the bustle of Helsinki. Built from ancient granite boulders, the sauna is an organic extension of the surrounding forest, its rugged beauty mirroring the landscape. A picturesque stream, Metsäpuro, flows through the sauna, creating a mesmerizing waterfall and two natural pools, one of which serves as a revitalizing plunge pool for sauna-goers.

This is no ordinary sauna. It is a testament to traditional Finnish craftsmanship, its massive stove requiring three days of constant heating to infuse the granite with intense heat and smoke. By candlelight, Samuel enters the sauna, enveloped by the primal warmth and the gentle sounds of the stream. As he surrenders to the ancient ritual of the smoke sauna, he experiences a profound connection to nature and a sense of deep tranquility. Will Samuel find the renewal he seeks in this immersive, transformative experience?

  • Greg M. Moga III
    Executive Producer
    The End (2024), Arthur (2011), Safe Enough (2023), The Artist Toolbox (2011)
  • Samuel Aarnio
    Producer
  • Mika Hottakainen
    Director
    Steam of Life (2010), Freedom to Serve (2004), Ristin Tie (2016)
  • Sampo Johansson
    Cinematographer
    Other Girls (2015), The Look of a Killer (2016), I'll Do Fine (2014)
  • Kate Linhardt
    Editor
    Alive in Bronze (2022), Symphoria (2021),Keepers of the Game (2016), Prognosis: Notes of Living (2021)
  • Samuel Aarnio
    Key Cast
    Perfect Sweat, Sauna Channel
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Web / New Media
  • Runtime:
    3 minutes 43 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 20, 2023
  • Country of Origin:
    Finland
  • Country of Filming:
    Finland
  • Language:
    English
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Distribution Information
  • Bray's Run Productions
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: Internet
Director Biography - Mika Hottakainen

Mika Hotakainen was born 23.12.1977 in Kokkola, Finland. He graduated as a fiction film director from Helsinki Polytechnic University, Arts and Media in 2004. Ever since he made his career mainly focusing on fiction and documentary directing.

Mika’s international breakthrough film as a Director in 2010 was the feature documentary film, Steam Of Life (Miesten Vuoro - co-directed with Joonas Berghäll) which won several prizes in film festivals worldwide. The film went on to reach a global audience through cinema and TV distribution. Mika was also co-founder of the film production company, Oktober ltd.

Now, Mika has continued his career working as a freelance Director/Writer for fiction, documentary, and TV series formats for several award-winning productions.

Selected Filmography

‣ Sohvaperunat (Goggle Box) - Seasons 8-14 2019-2022
(10 X 48 min/Season, Entertainment doc, YLE TV2)
‣ Perfect Sweat - Season1 Episode1 2022
(28 min. Documentary series, Bray´s Run Productions, YLE)
‣ISMO - Season2, 2016
(4 X 23 min. Fiction, Mogulmedia LTD, ELISA)
‣ Via Crusis (Ristin tie), 2016
(75 min, dokumenttielokuva. Funfar films Oy, SES, YLE)
‣Connected - season 3 (Iholla tuotantokausi 3) 2013
(36 X 22 min. Documentary serie. Moskito TV, AVA)
‣ Stars Of Africa 2013
(28 min. Fiction. Funfar Films Ltd.)
‣ Tales From The Bears Nest 2011
(28 min, Documentary. Oktober ltd.)
‣ Tar Cook 2011
(28 min, Documentary. Oktober ltd.)
‣ Steam Of Life 2010
(81 min, , Documentary. Oktober ltd.)
‣ Visitor 2006
(15 min, Fiction. Oktober ltd.)
‣ Freedom To Serve 2004
(66 min, Documentary. Mokul Film)
Awards and Nominations
‣ Kultainen Venla (Finnish Emmy Award) 2010, 2019-2022
‣ Risto Jarva Prize and Audience Award, Tampere FF 2010
‣ Prize of the Interreligious Jury, Visions du Réel 2010
‣ First place in the International Contest, DocAviv 2010
‣ Millenium Award, Planete Doc Review Warsaw 2010
‣ Special Jury Mention, Silverdocs 2010
‣ Grand Prize, Pärnu Film Festival 2010
‣ Silver Dove, DOK Leipzig 2010
‣ Universities Award, Doclisboa 2010
‣ Documentary Film Prize, Nordische Filmtage Lübeck 2010
‣ Nomination - European Film Academy Documentary, Prix Arte 2010

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Director Statement

"Storfinnhova Gard" takes viewers on a journey into the soul of Finnish tradition. As a filmmaker, I've always been drawn to stories that explore the intersection of culture, history, and the human spirit. The smoke sauna, with its ancient roots and enduring presence in Finnish life, embodies this intersection perfectly.

In making this film, I sought to capture the essence of the smoke sauna experience – the primal connection to nature, paired with the ritualistic cleansing of body and mind. The Storfinnhova Gard sauna, with its unique history and character, provided the perfect setting for this exploration.

Through intimate observations and evocative visuals, I aimed to transport viewers into the heart of this tradition. The crackling fire, the rising steam, the running water – these sensory details create a tapestry of atmosphere that speaks to something deep within us.

Beyond its cultural significance, "Storfinnhova Gard" touches on universal theme of well-being. In a world that often feels fragmented and fast-paced, the film offers a moment of reflection, a reminder of the enduring power of tradition and the importance of slowing down to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us.

I hope that "Storfinnhova Gard" will resonate with audiences on both a cultural and personal level, offering a glimpse into a cherished Finnish tradition while also sparking contemplation on the timeless human need for connection, ritual, and a sense of belonging.