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:

School of Arts, Design and Architecture

One of the most prestigious universities in its fields. We educate our students to create imaginative, collaborative, compassionate and unconventional approaches to the most pressing challenges of...

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Students riding bikes in front of the Aalto University Väre building, photo by Unto Rautio

News

Tram in depot with PÖFF30 festival banner, blue roof beams above and doors with red trim below.
Research & Art Published:

ELO and the Black Nights Film Festival strengthen their partnership: A new “Atelier Week” kicks off

Aimed at students, industry professionals, and members of the Aalto community interested in film and audiovisual media, Atelier Week showcases the holistic nature of filmmaking and new opportunities in the film industry.
A black hand touches a tablet screen with white shapes. Papers and a pen are on a pink surface.
Research & Art Published:
Soldiers in camouflage in a forest, face of a female soldier in the foreground
Awards and Recognition Published:

ELO students’ short films win awards at the R&A Film Festival

Yasmin Najjar’s 28 Days Left (TJ28) won the grand prize in the R&A short film competition. Viljami Penttilä’s film Major Bag Alert and Viena Kytöjoki’s documentary Killing Me Softly (Munkki) also received awards.
Curly-haired woman speaks into a microphone indoors, standing next to a screen.
Research & Art Published:

Professor Hanna Maylett: “Without time spent together, a shared vision cannot emerge”

According to Hanna Maylett, associate professor of film directing, a director doesn’t need to know all the answers; rather, their role is to create a process through which those answers can be discovered together.

Events

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Lectures and seminars, Staff trainings, Other staff training, Support for teams, Training to support research –

Doing qualitative research in conversation with AI, Nov 10, 2026

How to responsibly do qualitative research with AI tools? With Dr. Emrecan Gulay
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Lectures and seminars, Staff trainings, IT & digital tools, Support for teams, Training to support research –

Research data management for ARTS researchers, Nov 11, 2026

Learn about research data management (RDM) in visual arts.
Conferences –

Art of Research 2026 (external link)

The IX Art of Research Conference advances the development of artistic research.

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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