During the five years that Cinema Without Borders has served and reported on the international film community, we have been grateful for the artistic vision and cultural support of Finland’s Consulate General office in Los Angeles, which included the introduction of Finnish cinema to Los Angeles audiences.
The news of Finnish Consulate closure in near future has been a sad one, not only for LA Finns, but also for fans of art and culture.
When in 2009 we announced The Letters From Father Jacob as winner of Bridging The Borders Award at Palm Springs International Film Festival, the office of Finnish consulate welcomed the news, and Consulate General, Kirsti Westphalen, attended the award ceremony to receive the award on behalf of the director of the film Klaus Haro. The Finnish Consulate will also be on hand next month at a reception by Cinema Without Borders to help recognize the achievements of fellow countryman and Hollywood filmmaker Renny Harlin, the winner of The Borders Award at Scandinavian Film Festival, Los Angeles.
We hope the Finnish authorities, who have so memorably encouraged a dialogue with the rest of the world through art and culture, reconsider their decision — a decision which would preclude the Finnish people from having any official presence in the film capital of the world.
If you agree with us, please visit this site that been set up for signing a petition about this matter.
