Jani Volanen

Jani Kristian Volanen is a prolific Finnish actor, writer, and director whose career spans over three decades, beginning in 1986. Born in Helsinki on 1 November 1971, Volanen quickly established himself in both screen and stage, amassing more than fifty television and film credits alongside thirty professional theatre productions. His versatility shines through a distinctive penchant for portraying characters with complex personality disorders, a trait that has earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Volanen is also a core member of the comedy troupe Julmahuvi, contributing to a wave of innovative Finnish comedy that blends satire with dark humor. Over the years, he has created, written, and directed numerous comedy shows for Finnish television, demonstrating his multifaceted talent behind the camera as well as in front of it. Notable screen achievements include his Jussi Award‑winning supporting roles in A Man's Work (2007) and The Mine (2016), solidifying his reputation as a compelling character actor. In 2020, he wrote and starred in the short film The Bouncer (Poke), which captured the Jussi Award for Best Short Film in 2021. His directorial prowess was recognized with multiple Golden Venla awards: Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Drama Series for M/S Romantic in 2020, and again for Summer of Sorrow (Munkkivuori) in 2023. Volanen’s body of work reflects a relentless drive to explore nuanced human experiences, whether through humor, drama, or experimental storytelling, making him a cornerstone of contemporary Finnish cinema and theatre.