A light that never goes out receives the Music Insight of the Year Award

The winner of the Music Insight of the Year Award was a work that makes music both the subject of the story and its driving narrative force. The jury was impressed by the way music does not merely support the story but forms its very core, opening up new perspectives on human relationships, creativity and community.

The winning work was A Light That Never Goes Out, written and directed by Lauri-Matti Parppei, which premiered in September 2025. The film has previously received seven Jussi Awards.

“In the winning work, music and storytelling exist in an exceptional synergy. At times, it feels as though the film was created around the music rather than the other way around. The portrayal of music-making is remarkably nuanced and authentic, and the work captures with rare accuracy what music is fundamentally about,” the jury stated.

The film tells the story of Pauli, a celebrated flautist who returns to his hometown to recover and gradually rebuild his life after beginning to make music with his former schoolmate Iiris. Music functions almost as one of the film’s central characters, growing and evolving alongside the people in the story.

All music was recorded live during filming. The score was composed by writer-director Lauri-Matti Parppei, while the lead actors were closely involved in the arranging process. The film features experimental music as well as melancholic lyrical interpretations and influences from classical music.

The recipient of the award was selected by an independent panel of experts consisting of author and journalist Jussi Ahlroth, Emmy Puustjärvi (Creative & Strategic Partner), Professor of Musicology at the University of Helsinki Susanna Välimäki, and game and media composer Jukio Kallio. The panel’s secretary was Riku Lievonen, Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Gramex.

The Screen Helsinki event was organised by Audiovisual Producers Finland (APFI), the trade association representing Finnish film and television production companies.

Further information: 

Riku Lievonen
Head of Communications and Public Relations
Gramex
Tel: 040 832 7479
riku.lievonen@gramex.fi

Laura Kuulasmaa
Executive Director
Audiovisual Producers Finland – APFI
Tel. 050 3450 056
laura.kuulasmaa@apfi.fi

Somewhere there is a light that never goes out
Director: Lauri-Matti Parppei
Screenplay: Lauri-Matti Parppei
Cinematography: Mikko Parttimaa
Editing: Frida Eggum Michaelsen
Music: Lauri-Matti Parppei
Sound Design: Yngve Leidulv Sætre, Juuso Oksala
Producer: Ilona Tolmunen / Made Oy