Helsinki Airport sets up cinema for travellers

This one-of-a-kind cinema is a cosy place to enjoy a film in peace and quiet, away from the airport’s hassles.

The cinema in Helsinki Airport comes with a few surprising twists. Two people are needed to watch a film. The two cinema seats are equipped with micro tactile switches: only when both seats are taken the lights dim and the movie starts, said a press release issued by Finavia, the company that operates the country’s airports.

The walls are painted with what is known as Black 2.0, a hue that reflects almost no light. Despite the small environment, it gives a sense of almost infinitely large space.

“The Cinema in HEL is a great way to bring out the best parts of travelling: encountering different cultures and making new acquaintances – a great way to bring curious travellers together. We want to create unforeseen experiences for our travellers as we are developing Helsinki Airport to welcome 30 million annual passengers,” said Finavia Senior Vice President for Marketing and Corporate Communications Katja Siberg.

Cinema in HEL can be found at Gate 33. It is open around the clock free of charge. Continuing with the Match Made in HEL saga, the first feature film is East and West Side Story, a 14-minute short film produced by Helsinki Airport and Finnair. The film talks about meaningful encounters that take place when people travel, a fitting theme, given the location of the cinema.

In the future, Cinema in HEL will give travellers the possibility to watch different kinds of short films, including documentaries and shorts from international filmmakers.

The press release said Helsinki Airport wanted to create a different cinema experience by bringing people together and creating the world’s first cinema that requires two people to watch the film.