Department of Film (ELO)

Department of Film (ELO)

Filming. Image by Unto Rautio.

Department of Film (ELO)

The Department of Film, ELO, is the only university-level film school in Finland. It is a vital combination of innovative art academy and an active, practice-based and artistic research unit. It teaches all aspects of filmmaking and performance design as separate skill sets. Our faculty consists of international-level practicing filmmakers, scenographers and researchers.

We value our 60-year-long tradition but at the same time actively explore future challenges and emerging technologies. The department works closely with the audiovisual industry, theatre, and emerging contemporary groups in performing arts.

Education draws on artistic and pedagogical traditions, passing it on creatively and developing new forms of expression. During the education students are familiarized with artistic processes, team work, historical and critical thinking, observations and interpretations of reality. This knowledge is applied in practical exercises and student film productions.

The department's research brings new understanding of the forms of expression and production processes in cinematic and scenographic art and opens paths to international research. The research orientation is based on a fruitful dialogue between theory and practice.

Contact Information

Research

The Department of Film has offered filmmakers and production designers the opportunity to pursue doctoral studies for nearly 30 years. The department's doctoral program equips students to integrate theoretical, practical, and artistic thinking through their own research questions.

The aim of the research is to generate new understanding of the expressive tools and creative processes in film and production design. This understanding allows for the uncovering, reassessment, alteration, and development of the underlying assumptions embedded in established working methods and solutions. In addition to the research component, doctoral degrees may include one or more practical productions.

Studies

The programmes and major subjects at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture provide high quality teaching in a diverse and student-centred manner. Our school began implementing a reform of bachelor's and master's degrees in September 2014.

The new degree structures offer students the opportunity for more in-depth studies in their own major or a field of their master's programme, or to utilise Aalto University's multidisciplinary course offering in minor subjects and elective studies. Our school offers a wide variety of minors, many of which are carried out in cooperation with other Aalto University schools. Students can also apply for minor studies at other Finnish universities through JOO studies, or complete part of their studies during an international exchange.

For more info on our Master's programmes:

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News

Soldiers in camouflage in a forest, face of a female soldier in the foreground
Awards and Recognition, Research & Art Published:

Yasmin Najjar’s short film TJ28 selected for Cannes’ La Cinef section

For the second consecutive year, a short film from Aalto University has been selected for the student film section at the Cannes Film Festival.
Two people sit on a motorbike at dusk, watching distant city lights under a dark blue sky.
Awards and Recognition Published:

Sherwan Haji’s My Name is Hope has won the 2025 Jussi Award for Best Short Film

My Name is Hope is director-screenwriter-actor Sherwan Hajin’s master’s thesis film from the Department of Film at Aalto University.
A person wearing a dark jacket stands outside a multi-storey building with many windows.
Awards and Recognition, Research & Art Published:

Alum of the Year Anna Brotkin: “We need modern stories about our era”

Screenwriter Anna Brotkin is the Alum of the Year 2026 of the School of Arts, Design and Architecture. She believes in the power of locality and the importance of hope in times of crisis.
Johanna Wartio, Susanna Helke and Ilkka Matila Aalto University.
Cooperation, Research & Art Published:

What drives success in the film and audiovisual industries? New research to support growth and competitiveness

Aalto University Department of Film is leading a €1.6 million Co-Innovation research project, SmartSuccessAV, funded by Business Finland. The project aims to gain new research-based knowledge on how success in the Film and AV industry is managed and how decision-making is structured as production, financing, and distribution structures change.

Events

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Lectures and seminars, Staff trainings, IT & digital tools, Support for teams, Training to support research
AI in research work
Lectures and seminars, Staff trainings, Other staff training, Support for teams, Training to support research

AI in Research Work, April 28, 2026

Learn about generative artificial intelligence in research work with Data Agents Dr. Enrico Glerean and Dr. Pedro Silva
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Lectures and seminars, Staff trainings, IT & digital tools, Support for teams, Training to support research

AI in research work -workshop, Apr 28, 2026 (external link)

Learn about using artificial intelligence (AI) tools in research.
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Lectures and seminars, Staff trainings, IT & digital tools, Support for teams, Training to support research, Workshops

Aalto AI Talks: Creative practices and generative AI 4.5.2026

Join us for an insightful afternoon exploring AI in creative processes and artistic practice, including copyright and AI-generated content.

Exhibitions

Seaweed installation byt Julia Lohman

School of Arts, Design and Architecture - Exhibitions

Find course and MA exhibitions in galleries and exhibition spaces in School of Arts, Design and Architecture, as well as Marsio. Welcome!

Visit the School of Arts, Design and Architecture

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Visit the School of Arts, Design and Architecture

Information for visitors and guests

Aalto ARTS Handbook
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Aalto ARTS Handbook

The Aalto ARTS Handbook provides information, instructions and tips on issues related to communications and community.

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