Filmmaker Aki Kaurismaeki honoured in Finland

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

HELSINKI (AFP) — Finnish filmmaker Aki Kaurismaeki was on Friday bestowed an honourary title that can be held by no more than eight Finns who have distinguished themselves in the arts at any one time.

Kaurismaeki, 51, received the prestigious title of Academician at a ceremony in Helsinki presided over by Finnish President Tarja Halonen.

"From his first movie on, Kaurismaeki has had his own distinctive movie style. This minimalist style is closely connected to Finland and the essence of being Finnish," the Arts Council of Finland, which recommended Kaurismaeki for the distinction, said in a statement.

"I thank you for the honour and I will try to prove that I am worth it," the film director said in a short speech after receiving the title.

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