Dorogu Trilogy | Karelian Culture Days

On Sunday, March 9 join us for a screening of the Dorogu trilogy (dir. Jyrki Haapala, Finland, 2024), the first ever Karelian-language film in cinematic history! Karelia, a region of northeastern Europe on the border between Finland and Russia, is a site of incredible geopolitical tension in the era of Russia’s war of aggression. A film talk featuring lead actors Anna Hakkarainen and Minna Karttunen will follow the screening.

Dorogu—On the Mystical Paths of Karelia film trilogy comprises of three Karelian-language short films Veneh, Lindu and Ilmu. The name of the trilogy, Dorogu, means “road,” and these films take the viewer on a journey of transition. Dorogu depicts the sacred and important rites of passage which hold high significance in the Karelian culture and traditions. The trilogy also documents and exhibits the ancient tradition of reciting lamentations and spells, which were of great importance when any transitional rituals took place. Nature plays a central role in the films, almost hypnotically taking viewers on a journey to a mythical landscape.

Veneh depicts the Karelian lament wedding tradition, held at the bride’s home. Viewers follow her last day at her family home, before the groom collects her to bring her away to his family. Lindu concerns Karelian mythology and ritualism related to death. The film follows the journey of a dead man’s soul to his home, as he is guided by a soul bird. Ilmu explores birth and related Karelian mythology and ritualism.