Marko Vuorinen sees the world through individuals

Photographer and writer turned documentary filmmaker Marko Vuorinen tells the stories of marginalized women. Through the life story of an individual, he brings up themes of sexuality, social issues, and gender. Vuorinen arrives for a two-month residency in New York to connect with people – and film a new documentary. 

For the past ten years, Vuorinen has been returning to New York and the US. It was here that he made the transition from photographer to filmmaker. Since then he has filmed three documentaries, two of which are situated in New York: Tamara W. (2014) and Vianey (2016). The latter was filmed during Vuorinen’s last residency with the FCINY. The city’s diversity and underground culture have always spoken to him. 

“New York is full of people whose stories demand to be seen and heard. I want to give them the opportunity to share their life stories in the hope of setting a positive example for others going through similar stages in their lives.” 

Vuorinen takes on themes of sexuality, bodiliness, and gender in his work, but approaches them through the story of one individual. He believes it is a way to make large issues tangible, as well as getting a person's honest perspective. He feels that women offer a truthful view of the world, with depth and nuance. He is not looking to tell stories of victims but of people with large spectrums to their lives. He wants to document not only why a woman has become marginalized in society but how that person has processed it and their future direction. The story needs to be balanced and equal, and show the main character as a human being. 

At the same time, Vuorinen stresses that he does not want to use someone’s life story for personal gain. The filming process is built on trust and the person in front of the camera wanting to get their story heard in order to gain some recognition from it. Although the individuals in his films have been involved with both substance abuse and sex work, Vuorinen makes it clear that he has no need to pass judgment. He is aware of the controversies surrounding the topics he has chosen to work with, but does not acquiesce to not have the right to tell the stories he wants to.

“My motives and position are often questioned as I’ve chosen to do work that considers women, bodies, and sexuality. The individual’s right to sexuality and gender is an important human rights question. I’ve always thought that these rights need to be defended and that there is a need for raising awareness on the issues.”

Ever since his last film Vianey people have been reaching out to Vuorinen, hoping that he will tell their life story next. During his residency in January–February 2020, he plans to meet these people and film his next documentary about one of them.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER TO STAY UP TO DATE ON OUR LATEST PROJECTS AND EVENTS.