A City Symphony
Kaupunkisinfonia
Synopsis
The Helsinki of the 1990s, longed for by many, comes to life in Heikki Ahola's City Symphony. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this classic montage film offers a unique glimpse into the pulsating life of the capital at all hours of the day. More than 30 young filmmakers worked on the documentary. Filmed between September 1993 and February 1995, City Symphony encounters the contrasting spirits of Helsinki – including unemployment and luxury, homeliness and internationalism. As the title suggests, music plays a central role in the film, with Tuomas Kantelinen responsible for the score. You won't find a more comprehensive journey through 1990s Helsinki than Kaupunkisinfonia. The world just before the breakthrough of the internet and the economic boom already looks very different.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Jarkko Luoma
Self - radiotoimittaja (uncredited)
Klaus Bremer
Self - radioreportteri helikopterissa (uncredited)
Peter Oljemark
Self - vihkijä (uncredited)
Rita Tainola
Self - seurapiiritoimittaja (uncredited)
Matti Matikainen
Self - lehtikuvaaja (uncredited)
Jorma Uotinen
Self (uncredited)
Helena Lindgren
Self (uncredited)
Aira Samulin
Self (uncredited)
Ekku Peltomäki
Self (uncredited)
Matti Ahde
Self (uncredited)
Hilkka Ahde
Self (uncredited)
Tytti Isohookana-Asunmaa
Self (uncredited)
Tapani Perttu
Self (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
Kino Engel
Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Heikki Ahola, John Webster, Yrjö Nieminen, Outi Kaasinen, Ulrika Bengts, Ilkka Mertsola, Mika Taanila, Roosa Toivonen
- Screenplay & Story
- Heikki Ahola
- Original Score
- Tuomas Kantelinen
- Original Title
- Kaupunkisinfonia
- Country of Origin
- Finland
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 2m
- Production Studios
- Taideteollinen korkeakoulu / Elokuvataiteen laitos ETL, Statiivinkantajat ry
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Heikki Ahola, John Webster, Yrjö Nieminen, Outi Kaasinen, Ulrika Bengts, Ilkka Mertsola, Mika Taanila, Roosa Toivonen
Heikki Ahola, Marita Hällfors, Simo Halinen, Outi Kaasinen, Anu Kuivalainen, Ilkka Mertsola, Jari Tenhunen, John Webster
Tuomas Kantelinen
Pauli Bessonoff, Heikki Färm, Marita Hällfors, Maija Kainulainen, Robert Nordström, Rauno Ronkainen, Petri Rossi, Pekka Uotila, Tuomo Virtanen, Wille Tanttu, Jari Tenhunen, Anu Kuivalainen, Esa Illi
Heikki Ahola
Ilkka Mertsola
Department Leadership Roster
Heikki Ahola
Director
John Webster
Director
Yrjö Nieminen
Director
Outi Kaasinen
Director
Ulrika Bengts
Director
Ilkka Mertsola
Director
Mika Taanila
Director
Roosa Toivonen
Director
Ilkka Mertsola
Producer
Tuomas Kantelinen
Original Music Composer
Heikki Ahola
Editor
Pauli Bessonoff
Director of Photography
Heikki Färm
Director of Photography
Marita Hällfors
Director of Photography
Maija Kainulainen
Director of Photography
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for A City Symphony.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring A City Symphony.
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Frequently Asked Questions About A City Symphony
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is A City Symphony about?
The Helsinki of the 1990s, longed for by many, comes to life in Heikki Ahola's City Symphony. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this classic montage film offers a unique glimpse into the pulsating life of the capital at all hours of the day. More than 30 young filmmakers worked on the documentary. Filmed between September 1993 and February 1995, City Symphony encounters the contrasting spirits of Helsinki – including unemployment and luxury, homeliness and internationalism. As the title suggests, music plays a central role in the film, with Tuomas Kantelinen responsible for the score. You won't find a more comprehensive journey through 1990s Helsinki than Kaupunkisinfonia. The world just before the breakthrough of the internet and the economic boom already looks very different.
Who directed A City Symphony?
A City Symphony was directed by Heikki Ahola, John Webster, Yrjö Nieminen, Outi Kaasinen, Ulrika Bengts, Ilkka Mertsola, Mika Taanila, Roosa Toivonen.
Who stars in A City Symphony?
The principal cast of A City Symphony includes Jarkko Luoma, Klaus Bremer, Peter Oljemark, Rita Tainola, Matti Matikainen.
When was A City Symphony released and how long is it?
A City Symphony was released in 1995 with a total runtime of 1h 2m.
Who composed the musical score for A City Symphony?
The original motion picture soundtrack for A City Symphony was composed by Tuomas Kantelinen.