Ethnographical films from nation's past » Mika Meskanen

Kansatieteellinen Filmi Oy, led by famous folklorist Kustaa Vilkuna shot over 30 documentary short films around the country during 1936-1940. The aim was to produce 'factually exact, yet aesthetically enjoyable works of art' about the traditional way of life. Themes included slash and burn agriculture, lace-making, carving a boat from a single block of wood, extinct folk sports and under-ice net fishing. The first six films have now been restored from delicate nitrate film and released on DVD and on the Internet under title 'Isien työt'. The films are free to download and use for non-commercial purposes.
Via Sedis Blog and Kansatieteilijän Desktopilta.