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YLE

Yle Documentary

Format

Dokumentarfilm / Feature Documentary

Length

52–90 min

Timeslot

YLE TV1 / YLE Areena

Exposé length

3–5 pages

Editorial tone

Quiet, deep, visually strong. Finnish documentaries have their own tradition — they take time, observe patiently, trust the power of images. YLE Documentary supports films that reflect the Finnish view of the world. Tone is often contemplative, but never boring — tension comes from depth of observation. Humor is welcome when it grows organically from the story. Personal narrative perspectives are valued. The tradition of Nordic auteur documentary is a quality benchmark.

What this format covers

  • ●Finnish society and identity
  • ●International topics from a Finnish perspective
  • ●Nature and environment — Nordic landscapes and global challenges
  • ●Culture, art, and music
  • ●Social issues — loneliness, migration, equality
  • ●History — Finnish and European
  • ●Auteur films with strong personal signature

What this format does NOT want

  • ●Pure TV reportage without cinematic ambition
  • ●Sensationalism or exploitation
  • ●Topics with no connection to Finland or Finnish interest
  • ●Didactic explainer formats
  • ●Advertising for organizations or companies
  • ●Standardized international formats without their own voice

Visual expectations

High cinematic quality. Finnish documentaries are internationally known for their visual strength. Careful camerawork, atmospheric framing, patience in the image. Nordic light — long shadows, deep colors, wide land — is often part of the storytelling. Experimental visual approaches are welcome. Sound design is understood as an independent narrative element.

Expected exposé structure

  1. Title and logline
  2. Synopsis (dramaturgically structured)
  3. Director's statement and personal access
  4. On-camera protagonists and locations
  5. Visual concept and style
  6. Director bio and filmography
  7. Production company and financing plan
  8. Festival strategy

Example productions

  • Aalto (Virpi Suutari, 2020)
  • The Happiest People on Earth (Jukka Karkkainen, 2010)
  • Aatos ja Amine (Jasmin Tsopela, 2022)
  • Lost Boys (Joonas Neuvonen, 2017)
  • Master Cheng (Mika Kaurismaki, 2019)
Protagonist-drivenEuropean perspective required

Editorial notes

YLE is the Finnish public broadcaster. Commissioning Editor for documentaries is Mikko Peltonen. Finland has a strong documentary tradition with internationally successful filmmakers. The Finnish Film Foundation (SES) is an important funding partner. YLE co-finances documentaries in collaboration with Finnish production companies. International co-productions are common, especially with Nordic partners (SVT, NRK, DR) and ARTE. YLE documentaries regularly screen at international festivals (IDFA, DOK Leipzig, Nordisk Panorama). [TO CHECK] Current budget ranges and submission deadlines at YLE.

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