Jouko Aaltonen is a Finnish director and film producer. He is best known for his work in the Finnish film industry, having directed over 25 feature films and documentaries since the early 70s.
Aaltonen was born in Helsinki, Finland, in 1948. He began his film career as an assistant director for the Finnish Broadcasting Company in the early 1970s. Aaltonen's first foray into directing was the documentary film 'The History of Finnish Cinema', which aired on television in 1976.
Aaltonen went on to direct a number of feature films, including 'The Red Fox' (1980), 'The White Reindeer' (1982), 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' (1984) and 'The Unknown Soldier' (1985). These films, along with his other works, helped to establish Aaltonen as one of the most prominent directors in the Finnish film industry.
In the late 1990s, Aaltonen began to focus on television, directing several series for the Finnish Broadcasting Company, as well as the crime drama series 'JFK: The Untold Story' for YLE.
Aaltonen also directed the feature film 'Helsinki' (1998), which was nominated for a Jussi Award for Best Picture. In addition, he has directed a number of shorts, including 'The Last Day of Summer' (2001) and 'The Matinee' (2005).
In addition to his film work, Aaltonen is active in the theatre. He has directed plays for the Finnish National Theatre, the Swedish National Theatre, and the Helsinki City Theatre.
Aaltonen has been awarded numerous awards, including the Finnish State Artist Award, the Jussi Award for Best Director, and the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series. He is also a member of the European Film Academy.
Jouko Aaltonen continues to be a major force in the Finnish film industry. His films have been praised for their unique style and innovative storytelling. His work continues to inspire filmmakers from around the world.
