Stormskerry Maja Wins Best Producer at Septimius Awards 2025 - Jukka Helle, Markus Selin & Hanna Virolainen (Accepted by Amanda Jansson)

Amsterdam, The Netherlands – The filmmaking team behind the Finnish historical drama Stormskerry Maja (original title: Myrskyluodon Maija) achieved a significant international victory on September 4, 2025, as producers Jukka Helle, Markus Selin, and Hanna Virolainen were honored with the Best Producer award at the prestigious Septimius Awards. The grand ceremony, celebrating film, television, and music from around the world, took place at the exquisite Tuschinski Theater in Amsterdam.

The win for the production trio marks a major recognition for the sweeping epic, which captivated audiences with its compelling story of life in the Åland archipelago during the 19th century. The film, a cinematic adaptation of Anni Blomqvist's celebrated book series, has been lauded for its powerful storytelling and stunning visual execution, a testament to the comprehensive effort of its production team.

A Night of Global Recognition

The Septimius Awards has established itself as an international platform that champions diversity and supports independent and visionary filmmaking talent from all continents. Held over two days in the Dutch capital, the 2025 ceremony drew prominent figures from the global entertainment industry, celebrating excellence across a wide array of categories. The historic and ornate Tuschinski Theater provided a suitably majestic backdrop for the evening's festivities.

The award for Best Producer specifically highlights the intricate work, logistical mastery, and financial acumen required to bring a large-scale period drama like Stormskerry Maja to life. Helle, Selin, and Virolainen demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment in navigating the complexities of the production, which included challenging on-location filming and recreating a remote 19th-century environment. Their collective achievement underscores the vitality and high quality of filmmaking emanating from the Nordic region.

Amanda Jansson Accepts the Honor

As the producers were unable to attend the ceremony, the task of accepting the esteemed award fell to Swedish actress Amanda Jansson, who stars in the film's title role as Maja. Jansson, who had recently earned critical praise for her portrayal in the film, ascended the stage to receive the Best Producer statuette on behalf of Helle, Selin, and Virolainen.

Jansson’s presence at the event symbolized the strong collaboration between the creative and production teams, a bond that is essential to a project of this magnitude. Her acceptance of the award underscored the entire cast and crew's pride in the film's international success and the recognition of the producers' tireless efforts. The moment served as a spotlight on the film’s widespread acclaim, following its strong performance at the Finnish box office and its multiple wins at the Jussi Awards earlier in the year, including Best Film.

Celebrating the Producers’ Vision

Jukka Helle and Markus Selin, co-founders of Solar Films, one of Finland's most prolific production companies, have a long history of impactful filmmaking. Their partnership with Hanna Virolainen on Stormskerry Maja resulted in a film that resonated deeply with both domestic and international audiences, blending commercial appeal with artistic merit. The project required not only significant financial investment but also a commitment to preserving the authentic spirit of Blomqvist’s beloved literary work.

The Septimius Award win cements Stormskerry Maja's status as a globally significant film, validating the ambitious scope of the production. It stands as a powerful acknowledgement of the crucial, often unsung, role of the producer in turning a creative vision into a tangible and critically successful cinematic reality. The award at the Tuschinski Theater in Amsterdam officially places the work of Helle, Selin, and Virolainen among the best of international cinema for 2025.

This Best Producer win highlights the effective collaboration that defined the making of the historical drama and reinforces the producers’ reputation for fostering high-quality, memorable, and culturally rich films.