Filming of Simo Häyhä biopic to begin in North Savo in January 2027

Production of a feature film about legendary Finnish sniper Simo Häyhä will start in North Savo in January 2027, following a conditional funding decision by the regional council, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

The North Savo Regional Council has granted the production a conditional €56,000 subsidy, securing roughly half of the film’s shooting schedule in the region. The film, produced by Blankface and distributed by Nordisk Film, is set for theatrical release in late 2027.

Shooting will take place in North Savo between January and February 2027, covering about 50 percent of the total production days. Additional locations in Kainuu and North Karelia are also under consideration, with final site selections to be confirmed later this year.

Actor Jarkko Lahti will portray Häyhä in the film. Blankface has begun recruiting local extras and crew members, aiming to involve regional talent both on and off camera.

The regional subsidy remains conditional until the production secures the bulk of its €3.7 million budget by the end of September. North Savo’s share of filming costs is estimated at €474,000, with the regional council prepared to release the remaining €39,000 of the subsidy by April 2027.

The funding is part of North Savo’s audiovisual production incentive program, designed to boost the region’s competitiveness as a filming location and stimulate the local creative economy. The program is financed by municipalities within the region.