Matti Nykänen – The Legend

Finland’s ski jumping legend Matti Nykänen (1963-2019) became famous not only for his medals but also for his constant scandalous appearances in the tabloids. The sports idol was known for his great achievements in sports, as well as his alcohol addiction, his tendency to become violent especially with romantic partners, and his side gigs as a singer and an exotic dancer.

Olli Laine’s documentary is not the first film, or even documentary, inspired by the iconic ski jumper. However, unlike previous efforts, this feature gives the microphone to close friends and relatives of “Nykä,” such as his mother, daughter and childhood friend. This portrait of a national hero features kaleidoscopic images, aphorisms and animated sequences, and does not even attempt to find one simple truth about its central figure.

To many, Nykänen was a great athlete who put Finland on the map, to others, a clown. Those who got a front row seat to his antics paint a picture of an impulsive and often frightening troublemaker. Nykänen can also be seen as an insecure person suffering with untreated attention deficit disorder. To his mother, Matti was simply a beloved son. 

Joonatan Nikkinen (translated by Sofia Lanki)

Director Olli Laine will attend the screenings 6 and 7 Feb. Matti Nykänen’s daughter Eveliina Ojala will attend the screening 6 Feb.

Content warning: discussion of alcoholism and violence