Film production for “Kalevala: The Story of Kullervo” continues at Bomban tourist center in Nurmes, Finland

At the Bomban tourist center in Nurmes, an eclectic crowd of long-bearded men, women in long skirts, and a sheep gather as production continues on “Kalevala: The Story of Kullervo,” directed by Antti J. Jokinen. This marks the eleventh day of shooting for the film, which is set in a fictional 12th-century Finland. A collection of three wooden homesteads has been constructed on the grounds of Bomban, with scenes from the film’s early acts being shot at “Untamola.”

The set is positioned high on a hill overlooking a lake, and smoke billows from the cracks in the walls. The illusion of ancient Finland is compelling, although the presence of dozens of crew members and the beeping of a carbon monoxide detector disrupts the ambiance. Antti Nikkinen, the set designer, notes that accurate historical representations of buildings from that era are unknown, but the National Archives of Finland have been instrumental in providing reference materials. Uniquely, these structures are integrated into the natural landscape rather than constructed inside a studio, complete with interior furnishings, and will remain for future use by the Bomban tourist center.

Very little is revealed about the film’s content, with media access restricted to prevent photographing the interior of the homestead or actors in costume. Most filming takes place in North Karelia, with a substantial budget of nearly five million euros for a Finnish film.

Director Jokinen emphasizes that the film aims to captivate international audiences, leveraging stunning nature cinematography, with some locations requiring over an hour’s hike through the woods to achieve the desired atmosphere.

Elias Salonen, in his leading role as Kullervo, has committed over a year to training, including a rigorous diet and sword fighting, finding the experience both intense and fulfilling. The film has notable local support, with contributions from the North Karelia Regional Council and the local cooperative, which plans to use the sets for future tourist experiences.