minä olen October 2006

Hijacking the CCTV cameras of municipal buildings in the town of Kokkola, Finland a group of young people from the immigrant class at Kiviniitty Secondary School made a film about their cultural isolation.

After visiting the control rooms, the young people from Cambodia, China, Iran, Sudan and Thailand took over the 12 hard-wired CCTV cameras installed at Kokkola Town Hall and 16 cameras at the council owned Sports Centre by plugging a recording device into the back of the cameras at source.

This provided the young people with a means of regaining control from the ‘institution’ influencing their future. The final film was installed at Tupakkamakasiini, Pietarsaari City Museum as part of a larger exhibition of Mongrel’s work, and was also displayed at Kokkola Town Hall bringing the heartfelt message to as many local people as possible. The young people, some of whom had only been in the country a matter of weeks, positively enjoyed the opportunity to invade ‘government’ buildings and felt an increased confidence within their surroundings. Additionally the film was used to encourage local ministers to continue to provide regular classes in the young peoples’ own language and culture.

Made by Beng, Bong, Jia Chan, Monika, Rezan, Suzan, Zanjar

Music by MCs Steve-O and Lukudu

Project Leader David Valentine

Made with the support of VISU and the Nordic Art School
With thanks to Jaana, Anna and Eeva-Liisa

Plus thanks to Sampo Purontaus (Cultural Director for Kokkola City)
and Esa Jalkenan (Sports Centre manager)

Download a compressed version of the final video: minä olen (Windows Media 11Mb)

Download a compressed version of minä olen with English Subtitles (Windows Media 11Mb)

Download the unedited version of the music track used for the video: Alam Kuulu Nina Fugo (mp3 8.8Mb)

Download MCs Steve-O and Lukudu performing live in Kokkola: Steve-O and Lukudu live (Windows Media 11.8Mb)