ROKUMENTTI: UFOs and Paranormal Phenomena - Encounter of the Fifth Kind (1994)

Juhan af Grann:

UFOs and Paranormal Phenomena - Encounter of the Fifth Kind (Finland, 1994)

2 × 60 min. • English

Theme: Reality is not real

The first two parts of Juhan af Grann’s five episode tv-series focus on aliens. In the midst of the current immigration situation we might forget that some immigrants are coming from places much further away and not all of them come in peace. Mutilated cattle, abductions, and fetuses taken from wombs have horrified people for decades. Why these alien visits are kept secret? Are alien-hybrids walking among us? The truth is out there and the final responsibility lies with the viewer.

Grann’s visions have even inspired the Finnish rap scene. For example, Jodarok and Jontti have written lyrics about abductions and the possibility of other life forms in their rap collaboration called Uuden ajan avaruususkonto (“New Age Space Religion”).

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Juhan af Grann is best known for his UFO conspiracy theories, although his career as a director, producer and writer has spanned over decades and consists of all kinds of documentaries. Former Finnish president Urho Kekkonen, the events of the Second World War, and the living conditions of prisoners are just few of the topics he has covered.

Grann’s career in the 1990s focused on UFOs and other paranormal phenomena, which at that time was unheard of in Finland. The topics of his documentaries, new style of dramatisation, and fast editing were confusing to many, and the Finnish media did not treat Grann too well. The reception abroad was a lot more open; Grann’s documentaries gained praise and awards at international film festivals.

The Rokumentti Festival features Juhan af Grann’s works from the 1990s in two screenings. Grann will also be present at the festival and introduce the films at both screenings.