The Battle for Lapinlahti
A gripping follow-up documentary filmed over ten years tells the story of the awakening of the former Lapinlahti psychiatric hospital, once abandoned, to mental-health and cultural centre, as well as the tenants’ persistent fight to defend the area against the plans of the City of Helsinki to sell the property. Lapinlahti develops into a David-versus-Goliath-type saga, a national talking point and a social movement that even the New York Times reports on. Who will win, grinders or Lapinlahti?
“Municipal politics may not sound very exciting as words, but this film shows that it can be. The documentary highlights how issues that are important to city residents are fought almost to the death. City residents can join forces, challenge the bureaucracy and even win. This is a film that every Helsinki resident should see.”
– Mika Kaurismäki
The film was shot and directed by Klaus Welp, one of the longest-standing members of the Lapinlahti community.
Clips from the movie ( Click to see the clips. )
