Introduction:
“Minun buabo” means “My Grandmother” in Livvi Karelian. It is the title of a new animated short documentary about young Karelians living in Finland who, despite generations of Finnishization, have returned to their Karelian roots. Interviews were conducted with inspiring Karelian activists Pavlo Heikkinen and Juulia Kääriä. They discuss, in Livvi Karelian, the preservation of the Karelian language and culture, the essence of being a Karelian, and their hopes and dreams for the future of Karelians. They both share a strong bond with their maternal side of the families, who were Karelians.

The film was made by me and Kalle Rantakallio at the Finno-Ugric Film Festival (FUFF) 2026 during an experimental three-day filmmaking workshop.