This year, we are proud to honor an individual who has played a decisive role in the Finnish animation community. For nearly three decades, Eija Saarinen has served as Principal Lecturer, Specialization Manager, student film producer and later as emerita at the Turku Animation School. Together with Priit Pärn, Eija Saarinen is acknowledged for transforming Finland into an international hub for auteur, indie, and stop-motion filmmaking.
As the long-time administrative leader of the Turku Animation School (Turku Arts Academy) since its founding in 1994 Eija Saarinen contributed to creating a programme that became internationally renowned. Alongside legendary Estonian director Priit Pärn, she helped establish and develop the globally acclaimed Turku Arts Academy animation program. Designed to prioritize artistic authorship over commercial formulas, this curriculum has successfully nurtured generations of award-winning directors and animators.The global festival circuit named it the "Turku School" style - a distinct aesthetic defined by its surrealism, hand-drawn mastery, and dark, poignant humor. The program was twice named the best animation school in the world at major festivals, creating an ecosystem of talent that elevated the Finnish cinema on the world stage.
Saarinen has consistently supported emerging directors, empowering distinctive and deeply personal artistic voices to grow. This sustained commitment to cultivate the work of others has been crucial in strengthening the entire artistic ecosystem of Finnish animation. It is exactly why her peers across Finland look to her with such respect.
Saarinen’s influence also extends deeply into animation culture and infrastructure. She has been actively involved in festivals, juries, and professional networks, contributing to the visibility and recognition of animation as an independent art form. She has bridged the gap between graduation and the international film festival circuit. Her efforts were important in turning the Turku Arts Academy into a globally recognized powerhouse, proving that independent, short-form art could command major international prestige. Student films from Turku have regularly been selected and awarded at prestigious festivals like Annecy, Animafest Zagreb, and Stuttgart. Notably, films produced under her guidance have also been warmly embraced by Fredrikstad Animation Festival itself, winning numerous prizes here and beautifully underscoring her direct, enduring connection to our own festival’s history.
Throughout her career, Eija Saarinen has focused on facilitating and bringing forward unique artistic voices. It is with gratitude and respect from her peers across the Nordic and Baltic region we celebrate her contributions to the art of animation.
A Turku Arts Academy Retrospective film program will be featured at FAF 26 highlighting some of the best student work to come from the school during her tenure at Turku.
This article was editted on 16.10.26 at 19:17