Marimekko, from Finland to the world

Marimekko is the world's most famous Finnish company, except for Nokia. Founded in 1951 by Armi Ratia, the clothing label became famous for its bright and bold prints at a time when the rest of Europe was still feeling the effects of World War II. Its dresses were designed — in their cut, style, and colour — to liberate women and herald the arrival of a new age.

The person in charge of these profound changes was the designer and visual artist Maija Isola, who revolutionized the world of fashion with floral prints that became a global success, from New York to Tokyo. Author of more than 500 patterns, her models became famous when future US First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy wore various Marimekko suits during the 1960 presidential campaign.

Film director Leena Kilpeläinen now reconstructs the life of the pioneer through archival material made up of photographs, drawings, personal diaries, postcards and animation sequences. The author of the documentary graduated from the Moscow State Institute of Cinematography. In addition to working as a cinematographer and screenwriter, Kilpeläinen has made experimental films such as Zero (2002) or Metro (2003) and the long-form documentary The Voice of Sokurov (2013).

Maija Isola, Master of Color and Form constitutes a fascinating portrait and a journey into the imagination of the author of the iconic Marimekko prints – a woman connected to nature and with overflowing creativity, which will be screened in seven rooms and spaces across the city: Cines Girona (January 12, 7.30 p.m.); Casa Elizalde (January 17, 7.30 p.m.); Esquerra de l'Eixample Library – Agustí Centelles (January 18, 6.30 p.m.); Teatre de Sarrià (January 22, 8.30 p.m.); Vilapicina i la Torre Llobeta Library (January 24, 6.30 p.m.); Ateneu Fort Pienc Civic Center and Sant Martí Auditorium (January 26, 7 p.m.); Lluïsos d'Horta (January 27, 8.30 pm), and, again, Teatre de Sarrià (January 30, 8.30 p.m.).