HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY draws a portrait of the citizens of Helsinki during the Independence Day of Finland in 2021. The film follows different groups, like Antifa, “let’s close the borders” -torch march, ultra right wing, anarchists and “no nazis to Helsinki” -demonstration, as well as other citizens observing the events. Independence Day in Helsinki is the biggest police operation of the year in Finland. The kids following the events are commenting on the happenings with their own philosophies about Star Wars, religion and humanity in general. The questions about national identity seem to tear people living in Finland apart, and at the same time it seems that kids, the citizens of the future, don’t understand the concept of national identity in the same way as adults do.

Director: Ville Seppänen is a Finnish film director, dramaturg and scenographer. He holds a Bachelor of theatre arts degree from the University of the Arts Helsinki, as well as a Master of film arts degree from Baltic Film and Media school. Before graduating as a film director in 2022, he has done a remarkable career as a scenographer, a dramaturg, a lighting and a video designer for theatre, contemporary dance and opera. He has been awarded several times for his work in Finland and around Europe.