Aino Suni

Born in 1985, she is a Helsinki-based director and screenwriter who goes both ways - she directs both fiction as well as documentaries. Suni graduated in 2014 as Master in Film Screenwriting from the University of Salford, UK. Suni's intimate documentary feature NEVER AGAIN about a young Finnish rapper Mercedes Bentso and her empowering journey to recovery was a big hit on YLE (Finnish National Broadcasting Company) in 2019. Likewise, Suni’s documentary series PUSSY DIARIES about female sexual emancipation still sparks conversation, even two years after its broadcast.
On top of features, Suni directs short films, music videos, commercial films and dabbles with photography. Suni's debut fiction feature HEARTBEAST premieres in 2022 and is a unique co-production between France, Finland and Germany.

Director’s statement

“It feels that friendship between girls is the most intimate, dependent relationship there is - even stronger than a marriage. You share everything with your best friend. She is your trusted, she is your worst enemy. Sometimes I’ve wanted a friendship to become something else. I’ve experienced how my crush has become a secret between me and my friend. It has grown bigger and bigger and finally - pushed us apart. It has made me feel like a creep, a weirdo. I wish this story can unveil a unique and closed universe and allow the audience to dive into the contradictory emotions of Elina.”