Documentary asks: Is Arja Saijonmaa too political for Finland?

The documentary "Laula minulle Arja!" delves into the life of singer Arja Saijonmaa, examining how her outspoken political views have shaped her public image and career. The film suggests that Saijonmaa, often described as Sweden's unofficial Finn, did not shy away from making public statements, a characteristic that sometimes led to unease in her adopted country.

Saijonmaa, born in 1944, has recently re-entered the Finnish public's awareness. A few years ago, she made a comeback on Yle's show "Elämäni biisi," and more recently, she performed at the reopening concerts of the renovated Finlandia Hall.

The documentary's title, "Laula minulle Arja!" (Sing to me, Arja!), hints at a personal and perhaps intimate look at the artist. It promises to explore not only her musical journey but also her role as a human rights activist and the impact of her political engagement. The film raises questions about whether Saijonmaa's strong stances were perceived as too political for some audiences, even in Finland's neighboring country, Sweden.