During the film festival Toni Mikkola reigns over three minibuses and two drivers.
	- Behind the scenes: Milla Tähkänen, Filkkaristudio Producer - Behind the scenes: Emma Ryan, Guest Assistant - Behind the scenes: Suvi Hanni, Film Secretary - Best places in Tampere (including Pyynikki and Pispala)

Behind the Scenes: Toni Mikkola, Driver

– I drive everything around that needs to be moved, summarises Toni Mikkola his duties at the Tampere Film Festival.

– Guests, staff, posters, films, projectors and much more.

Besides presiding over three mini-buses and two drivers, the festival's head driver also works as a technical assistant. In the month before the film festival Mikkola was busy organising the festival's posters.

Working as a driver is only one out of many jobs he has done in his past: Mikkola has been a cultural project secretary of the Cultural Association in the closeby municipality of Lempäälä and this winter he assisted a local carpenter with producing snowboards.

Having worked at the Tampere Film Festival already for six years, Toni Mikkola also sees his future connected to films. The former photography teacher wants to study Documentary Film in Helsinki. One thing that Mikkola likes about his work at the film festival is stress:

– It is one week of exertion, but when it is over it is definitely over, he explains.

Where will we find you most of the time during the film festival?

– On the road and very often also on the phone.

What are you personally looking forward to?

– The people. There are so many different people coming to Tampere during the Film Festival.

Is there any film or screening you would recommend?

– I have seen Telakka (The Dry Dock) already, a very good film. It is about a shipyard on the Island of Suomenlinna. And I recommend Joutilaat (The Idle Ones), which will be shown in the national competition. If I had time I would watch the Riddim Night, Scratch and the Phil Mulloy animations.

What is there to see in Tampere?

– Pyynikki and Pispala. Those are peaceful places and good for walking and relaxing.

How will life go on after the film festival?

– There will be one more week of work for me after the festival. We have to bring back everything what we have borrowed. And then I am counting on holidays.

– Joutilaat on the 9th of March at 11.00 in Plevna 6
– Scratch on the 9th of March at 21.00 in Pakkahuone
– Phil Mulloy 1 on 9th of March at 21.00 in Plevna 6
– Phil Mulloy 1 on 9th of March at 19.00 in Pakkahuone

TEXT: Isabel Hartmann
PHOTO: Isabel Hartmann
UPDATED: Wednesday, 13-Mar-2002 11:48:27 EET

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