From Omelia to Pielinen, the ancient log-rafting route of the two Karelias. The documentary Two Old Raftsmen
Funded by Euregio Karelia Neighbourhood Programme 2001-2006

Objective of the project

The purpose of the project was to document and record the various stages of over 100 years of cross-border log-rafting tradition, based on existing documentary and memory data and to produce a 55-minute documentary film called ”Kaksi vanhaa tukkijätkää” (Two Old Lumberjacks).

Main activities

• Scripting, planning, filming and editing the documentary.

Achievements

The documentary as well as its script, design, filming and editing were implemented in accordance with the project plan. Filming in Finland was completed e.g. by the rapids of Ruunaa in conjunction with the international log-rafting tradition days. In Russia, the filming of the water route was begun in Roukkulanjärvi and continued along the water route of the Lieksanjoki River, almost down to the border by the Mustapikinen rapids. The filming also included the Finnish sector of the Lieksanjoki River from the border to Lieksa. There were also Russian ”log-rafting veterans”, who participated in the fi lming. There was no usable material produced about the waterways of the Tuulijoki River, since the filming had to be discontinued due to lack of water in the river. The complete documentary is 55 minutes long. The negotiations about the distribution of the fi lm had been initiated at the end of the project, and the town of Lieksa was planning to use the film in its own marketing.