Excerpts from film, TV and radio reviews
Ilmasto on peto
(Climate is a Beast)
7-part radio series; Yle, 2021
“‘The climate has always changed’ is the perennial refrain of climate skeptics. Science journalist Pasi Toiviainen sets out to explore how the climate has changed — and whether there is something we might learn from it. … The series ought to be mandatory listening at least for all members of parliament and other decision-makers. And naturally, it would also do climate skeptics some good.”
— Helsingin Sanomat, 28 Jul 2021
Vihreä kaupunki / La ville en vert / Die grüne Stadt
Two-part TV documentary; Yle & ARTE, 2010.
“Science journalist Pasi Toiviainen, who originally trained as an architect, set out on a hopeful journey across Europe. In his two-part documentary series, he searches for the perfect ecological house. And even if such a house is never found, the homes presented in the series are certainly worth seeing.”
— Helsingin Sanomat, 31 Jul 2012
“A high-tech machinery of systems or a traditional turf-roofed style? Should we stand at the cutting edge of nanotechnology, or place our trust in wood? The documentary moves between these extremes in a remarkably engaging way. It raises questions that the carefree overconsumer rarely stops to consider.”
— Aamulehti, 8 Nov 2010
“In a characteristically architectural manner, Toiviainen presents his manifesto on what the houses of the future should be like. … It is refreshing to hear a documentary maker who takes an informed and forceful stand on his subject.”
— TV-maailma, 8 Nov 2010
Suomalainen ilmastoherätys
(The Finnish Climate Awakening)
TV documentary; Yle, 2007
“For once, a Finnish program on climate change moves beyond the level of ‘yes it is, no it isn’t’ debate toward serious conclusions. A Finnish Climate Awakening, compiled by veteran environmental journalist Pasi Toiviainen, ought to be required viewing for everyone.”
— TV-maailma, 15 Nov 2007
“Concrete experiences, personal climate choices, and theoretical reflections form a successful whole in Pasi Toiviainen’s documentary.”
— Hufvudstadsbladet, 15 Nov 2007
Uusiutuvaa energiaa
(Renewable Energy)
3-part TV series; Yle, 2005
“Renewable Energy is an interesting program. Its cinematography is magnificent to watch, and exceptional effort has been invested in creating a rich soundscape. The opening sequence in a decommissioned coal power plant could be from a Hollywood thriller. … My favorite moment in the program was the remark that wood pellets have received a warm welcome in retirement homes. Undoubtedly.”
— Aamulehti, 2 Dec 2005
The Venus Theory
Documentary film;
Talent House, 2004
“Two of the [Planet in Focus] festival films most urgently demanding an audience are The End of Suburbia… and the Finnish documentary The Venus Theory.”
— Toronto Star, 27.9.2004
"Highly recommended. … A very interesting film, from the perspective of scientists and environmentalists."
— Educational Media Reviews Online, 8.9.2005
"Densely packed with technical data and theories, this documentary is sure to spark discussion. Recommended."
— Video Librarian, 11-12/2005
“Pasi Toiviainen’s excellent science documentary brings together the factors behind climate change into a deeply arresting whole.”
— TV-maailma, 23 Jan 2004
”The documentary written and directed by Pasi Toiviainen is a thoroughly substantive examination of a phenomenon whose dismissal in the White House and the Kremlin seems a fateful mistake.”
— Aamulehti, 27 Jan 2004
“A high-quality Finnish documentary on the greenhouse effect … The final result, including the stylish contribution of cinematographer Jyri Hakala, represents a strong international standard.”
— Helsingin Sanomat, 27 Jan 2004
Tutkittu juttu / Cover Story
Independent reportages for a TV series;
Yle, 2002—2005
Fuusioenergian ritarit (The Knights of Fusion Energy), 2005
“This straightforwardly informative report provides the average viewer with a much-needed nuts-and-bolts explanation of fusion reactions, a form of energy production superior to nuclear fission.”
— Helsingin Sanomat, 24 May 2005
Tukehtuuko tulevaisuus? (Will the Future Suffocate?), 2004
“In the Cover Story episode Will the Future Suffocate?, Pasi Toiviainen asks experts what consequences carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere may have besides the greenhouse effect… Will the Future Suffocate? serves as an effective reminder of a threat that the world’s leaders should finally begin to take seriously. For even if our breathing is not yet quite cut off, at this rate it may become the grim reality of our grandchildren at the latest.”
— Helsingin Sanomat, 23 Sept 2004
The Methane World, 2004
“Journalist Pasi Toiviainen visited the Geomar marine research institute in Kiel, where methane deposits and a new kind of ecosystem have been studied. The interesting Cover Story science program The Methane World presents the findings.”
— Aamulehti, 29 Jan 2004
“The program Cover Story: The Methane World dives into a fascinatingly different environment — an ecosystem hundreds of meters below the surface, where methane from the seabed forms the basis of life.”
— Helsingin Sanomat, 29 Jan 2004
Sekaisin sähköstä? (There’s Something About Electricity), 2004
“The noteworthy program produced by Pasi Toiviainen features people who clearly suffer from symptoms caused by electromagnetic radiation… There’s Something About Electricity addresses an issue that has received far too little attention and that quite evidently calls for further research, public discussion, and adherence to the precautionary principle as long as uncertainties remain.”
— Aamulehti, 27 May 2004
Kemikaalivaara (The Chemical Threat), 2003
“The Cover Story episode The Chemical Threat examines its subject thoroughly… Chemical Threat does not let the viewer off easily. Threat scenarios are presented at such a pace that the average disaster film pales in comparison… In any case, this is a highly important and deeply unsettling piece of reportage.”
— Aamulehti, 27 Feb 2003
Nanoteknologian lupaus (The Promise of Nanotechnology), 2003
“Even a good science documentary does not always inspire enthusiasm in the viewer, but in the case of The Promise of Nanotechnology, shown in the series Cover Story, expectations are fully met.”
— Aamulehti, 10 Apr 2003
“Cover Story: The Promise of Nanotechnology, produced by Pasi Toiviainen, opens up the subject even to viewers who are not particularly familiar with it.”
— Katso, 10 Apr 2003
“The documentary from YLE’s science programming examines the promises of nanotechnology through the voices of Finnish experts. And it does so quite commendably.”
— NYT, 4 Apr 2003
“Blending sci-fi visions and realism in just the right proportion, The Promise of Nanotechnology explores this hot field of research.”
— Helsingin Sanomat, 10 Apr 2003
Kuudes massasukupuutto (The Sixth Mass Extinction), 2002
“From material like this, Americans would make a science documentary full of spine-chilling whispering, but Finns approach even the end of the world more calmly — and that is probably for the best… ‘It is difficult to imagine that billions of people would survive such enormous changes,’ says Professor Mikael Fortelius, calmly.”
— NYT, 7 Nov 2002