The Squirrel, directed and written by Markus Lehmusruusu, has been selected as Finland’s candidate for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.
Squirrel is an absurd, future-set story about Pasi, a lonely but kind-hearted designer of artificial animals living in a world where nature is only a memory and human wellbeing is carefully orchestrated.
The film stars Miro Lopperi and Mimosa Willamo. Other cast members include Hannu-Pekka Björkman, Pirjo Heikkilä, Roderick Kabanga, Pirjo Lonka and Eero Ritala.
The film had its national premiere on 2 April 2026 and the international premiere will be taking place at the Fantastic Fest, in US in September 2026.
According to Finland’s Oscar selection committee, Squirrel is a bold and socially resonant film, creating its distinctive world with exceptional precision. Its humour is unmistakably Finnish, even as the film as a whole pays respect to the legacy of science fiction cinema.
The film is produced by Misha Jaari and Mark Lwoff for Bufo. It was co-produced by Pallas Film from Germany, Volya Films from the Netherlands and Zentropa Sweden.
The Oscar nominations will be announced on 21 January 2027.
