Kaurismäki named Academician of Arts
by Annika Pham
Finland’s most celebrated filmmaker on the international scene, Aki Kaurismäki, received the honorary title of Academician of Arts from the hands of Finnish President Tarja Halonen last week, from a recommendation from the Arts Council of Finland.
Commenting on the appointment to YLE Radio, Kaurismäki said he had always loved the title of academician. “Perhaps the only higher honour would be a Knight of the French Legion,” he said.
An Academician is an honorary title that can be given to persons of outstanding merit representing science and art. The title can be held by a maximum of eight artists at any one time. The Arts Council of Finland nominated Kaurismäki following the death last autumn of filmmaker Rauni Mollberg.
The other, older Academicians of Art are author Paavo Haavikko, graphic artist Outi Heiskanen, architect Juha Leiviskä, theatre director Ralf Långbacka, author Veijo Meri, conductor Jorma Panula and textile and fashion designer Vuokko Nurmesniemi.
Kaurismäki’s latest film, Lights in the Dusk [+see also:
trailer
film profile], was nominated for a Palme d’Or in 2006.
Did you enjoy reading this article? Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive more stories like this directly in your inbox.
