It’s thrilling. I think it’s thrilling to study film and film acting at the same time with the students as I’m teaching. I’ve been working and studying in many different groups, many different settings where the aim has been to follow safer space guidelines. I like boundaries, I like structure and the aim for psychological safety, anti-racism and feminism and equality. But it’s also a blurry concept - I’ve noticed that everyone has their own concept of what ”safer space” means. It opens a space for discussion, for feelings, for feedback, for criticsm. At best, it’s a space for growth but I also find it tiring. To uphold such standards and also to be at a receiving end of sometimes personal criticsm. But it’s a possibility for growth, and maybe for learning from your mistakes and checking your privilege and that’s always good. These things, the truth reveals itself over time. I used to be really terrified of conflict, but not anymore. I know who I am, and what I stand for. 

And I stand for (among other things) joy. The world is in turmoil right now, and we are not separate from it. I seek for joy and light and beauty through my work and through art. 

Working with my mentor Vera Kiiskinen has been life-changing and affirming. We’ve had some great talks. I strongly encourage everyone to get a mentor. We need each other! We need support to make it in this world. We’ve talked about movie acting, writing, the film industry. It’s been candid, emotional, mind-expanding and helpful in so many ways. When I got into this, I had no clue what I wanted to do. I had won a Jussi award and was unemployed from acting jobs for 18 months after that. Yes, I wanted to have a break and was lacking inspiration but I was honestly not sure what I wanted to do (if I wanted to work at all really). Since then I managed to get my next performance (a film adaptation) to a big theatre. I’ve been teaching film acting for the first time which has been a learning experience for me too. I know I’m going to make movies one day! I’ve applied for grants. I’m dreaming about my short film but it’s a little bit in the background. Next spring I’m going back to the theatre as an actor. I’ve joined the WIFT board! I’ve invited female artists into my house where we’ve talked about our work and where we offer support to one another. I’m planning a show & dinner at my house and I’m excited by art & life again. 

Sometimes you lose your drive, but don’t be afraid, it comes back. And about safer space, there are definitely times and places where it’s needed. I’m considering a braver space for future theatre & film & teaching work. A space where challenging conversations can occur but where people take responsibility of themselves, too. To take care of oneself and each other. To operate from a place of love, not fear. That would be wonderful and I will try and do that.