There are artists who polarize: You either love them or you can't even stand them. We fans of Finnish film director Aki Kaurismäki defend him without listening to the criticism of those who want to send him to the stake. Kaurismäki has been making films in his own style for decades, with serious actors, rockers with impossible hairstyles, and a gray Helsinki. He argues that he only makes films to feed his dogs. Dogs always appear in his films. A good sign.

The financial relationship between the film platform and distributor Mubi and the American investment firm Sequoia Capital has sparked a debate in the international film community. According to an exclusive published by Variety, more than 35 filmmakers linked to the platform have signed a letter demanding that Mubi break with the investor, publicly condemn him, and adopt a code of ethics to avoid similar relationships in the future. The letter was filed by Mubi in late May and contributed by Sequoia Capital, a Silicon Valley-based investment firm that has also funded the Israeli military technology company Kela. Kela, a military technology company founded in July 2024 by Israeli intelligence veterans. Variety June 14, Sequoia led a $10 million initial round of funding for Kela and reinforced its stake with a $60 million second round. Kela develops battlefield operating systems that integrate artificial intelligence and commercial technology.