Planned center for international film productions in Vuokatti, Sotkamo, abandoned due to electrical issues

The planned center for international film productions in Vuokatti, Sotkamo, will not be realized, as announced by project designer and film producer Miika J. Norvanto. Two years ago, the local production company Kajawood revealed it was negotiating with major studios for films with budgets exceeding 100 million euros. Kajawood is co-owned by Norvanto and his partner Timo Puustinen. A year ago, Kajawood secured around 9.5 million euros from an American investment firm to develop a film village in Vuokatti, intended to be built on the site of a former domestic science school.

However, the past two years have been spent addressing electrical issues related to the land, with the local utility company unable to expand the power supply as required within the desired timeline, according to Norvanto. He emphasized the embarrassment of having to tell international investors that electricity is insufficient for the area.

Now, the concept will be relocated to a site with functional infrastructure. When asked about potential new locations in Kainuu or elsewhere in Finland, Norvanto stated that they are open to options. While there was good collaboration with local authorities, they were also constrained by limitations.

Norvanto mentioned that the acquisition of plots was pressured by the media and local politicians, without proper examination of their suitability for film production due to issues with surface water drainage and later power supply difficulties. He noted it is pointless to fight against these challenges and that it is easier to move forward. He expressed disappointment that some blame Kajawood solely for these issues, as their intent has been to protect their partners.