Juho Kuosmanen

Juho Kuosmanen, born in 1979, is a prominent Finnish film director and screenwriter known for his impactful contributions to cinema. He gained international acclaim with his debut feature, *The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki*, which premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, where it was awarded the prestigious top prize. His follow-up film, *Compartment No. 6*, released in 2021, further solidified his reputation by winning the Cannes Grand Prix, sharing the honor with Asghar Farhadi's *A Hero*.

Kuosmanen is a graduate of Aalto University, completing his studies in 2014. His graduation project, *The Painting Sellers*, garnered significant recognition, earning five nominations at the Jussi Awards, Finland's premier film awards. Additionally, the film took home the first prize in the Cinéfondation category at the Cannes Film Festival in 2010, marking an early milestone in his career.

Beyond film, Kuosmanen has explored the world of theater and opera. He performed in Leea Klemola's Arctic trilogy at the Tampere Theatre in Kokkola and New Karleby, demonstrating his versatility as an artist. He has also directed opera productions with esteemed conductors such as Sakari Oramo and Santtu-Matias Rouvali, showcasing his diverse talents within the performing arts.