SF Studios, REinvent Board Film Adaptation of Epic Poems ‘Kalevala’

SF Studios is set to co-produce and distribute “Kalevala: The Story of Kullervo,” a big-budget historical drama based on Finland’s national epic “Kalevala” which will be directed Antti J. Jokinen (“Helene,” “Purge”).

Nordic stars Elias Salonen (“Adults,” “Siege”) and and Eero Aho (“The Unknown Soldier”) are set to star in leading roles. Johanna Enäsuo and Marko Röhr, at ReelMedia are producing the film, while SF Studios will distribute the film in the Nordics with an expected theatrical release in Finnish theaters in early 2026. REinvent has boarded international sales.

“Kalevala: The Story of Kullervo” marks the first feature film adaptation of the Finnish national epic poetry compilation “Kalevala” which blends Karelian and Finnish folklore and mythology, and was created in 1835 by Elias Lönnrot, a Finnish doctor and explorer.

Set in the 1100’s, the period film will be mainly shot on location in Bomba, near the Lake Pielinen in Nurmes in North Karelia. Extensive sets are being built, including houses, storehouses and courtyards. Filming will start in mid-September.

“It is with great pride that we at SF Studios participate in bringing this local power story to the audience,” said Yaba Holst, executive producer at SF Studios. Holst said the ambitious project “calls for a lot of expectations, demands and excitement.” “The collaborative effort with Reel Media and Antti Jokinen has been outstanding, promising an extraordinary cinematic experience for Finnish screens,” Holst continued.

Besides Salonen and Aho, the ensemble comprises Ilkka Koivula, Olli Rahkonen, Krista Kosonen and Johannes Holopainen.

“Kalevala is a dream project for REinvent,” said Rikke Ennis, CEO at REinvent International Sales. “Antti is such an incredible director and we feel confident that he will master the execution of this epic action film based on the Nordic myth, Kalevala,” added Ennis, who previously headed TrustNordisk.

“Kalevala: The Story of Kullervo” is a co-production between Antti J. Jokinen’s Storm Inc. production company and Marko Röhr and Johanna Enäsuo’s ReelMedia Oy. The film is being made in collaboration with SF Studios, the Finnish Film Foundation, and Yleisradio. “Kalevala: The Story of Kullervo” is also funded by the North Karelia Cooperative Society (PKO), Nordisk Film & TV Fond, and the Regional Council of North Karelia.

Antti J. Jokinen, copyright Antti Rastivo