Finland - the happiest country that almost didn't exist + Q&A

BBFC RatingFinland - the happiest country that almost didn't exist + Q&A

Showing: 22 June 2026

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Mon 22 Jun 2026

CertificateNot Rated
Year2026
GenreDocumentary
Director(s)Gavin Hanigan
LanguageFinnish
Running Time2HR
Extra InfoRecommended 12+
Season Main Programme

Finland is a sub-arctic state with a Scotland-sized population, ports that are ice-locked for half the year and a precarious land border with Russia.

Yet, it’s also the world’s happiest country for eight years running, with the best education system, food security, low levels of child poverty, high levels of income equality and trust – both in government and one another. Not bad for a country that almost ceased to exist in the 20th century after famine, civil war and invasion.

This Finland documentary was made by broadcaster Lesley Riddoch, who grew up in Belfast, and Inverness born filmmaker Gavin Hanigan, who now lives in Helsinki.

The documentary is presented by Lesley Riddoch, who will be joining us for a post-screening Q&A.


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