The Marshal of Finland

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The Marshal of Finland is a 2012 Finnish-Kenyan biographical-fiction film about Marshal Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim. It was produced by Yleisradio (YLE) with Savane Productions and Filmistuudio Kalevipojad, and directed by Kenyan filmmaker Gilbert Lukalia. The story focuses on Mannerheim’s private life from 1905 to 1918, showing the balance he tried to strike between his legendary military career and his longing for love and peace. It covers his failed marriage to Anastasia Arapova and a later romance with Kitty Linder after the Finnish Civil War, presenting a universal idea about reconciling family life with a demanding career.

Key facts:
- World premiere: 28 September 2012 at the Helsinki International Love & Anarchy Film Festival
- Running time: 50 minutes
- Language: English
- Budget: €20,000
- Filming location: Around Nairobi, Kenya (May–June 2012)

Cast and production notes:
- Stars Kenyan actors, including Telley Savalas Otieno, Beatrice Wangui, Ruth Maingi, and Jacky Vike.
- The project originated when Estonian producer Ken Saan approached Erkko Lyytinen in Kenya. The screenplay was written by a Kenyan team with input from YLE.
- It was originally planned as a war film but became a biographical feature because the war scenes were difficult to shoot.
- Director Gilbert Lukalia was chosen just 12 hours before filming began.
- A six-part behind-the-scenes documentary, Operation Mannerheim, was made, costing about €100,000–€150,000, while the film itself cost about €20,000.

Reception:
- The project sparked debate in Finnish media about casting a black actor as Mannerheim. Some critics questioned the concept, while others raised concerns about licensing and portrayal.