Born: 1921 (Helsinki, Finland)
Biography:
Ritva Helinä Arvelo, born on March 11, 1921, in Helsinki, was a Finnish actress, director, screenwriter, and a pioneer in modern dance. She is best known as one of the first four Finnish women film directors, making significant contributions to the development of Finnish cinema. Arvelo’s diverse career spanned over several decades, and she left a lasting impact on the performing arts scene in Finland.
Arvelo’s journey in the arts began when she attended the first course of the Helsinki Theatre Academy in 1943. Alongside her theater training, she also pursued her academic studies and graduated with a master’s degree in romance philology from the University of Helsinki. In the 1940s, Arvelo gained recognition as a dancer in Maggie Gripenberg’s champion group, which was highly acclaimed internationally. Additionally, she worked as a model for fashion salons in Helsinki, showcasing her versatility and artistic range.
Throughout her career, Arvelo made significant contributions to both theater and film. She worked for the renowned Finnish National Theatre and appeared in notable films such as Radio tekee murron (1951), Kilroy sen teki (1957), Nothing but Love (1984), and Burning Angel (1984). Arvelo’s talent also extended to directing, as she helmed productions at the Helsinki Folk Theater-Workers’ Theater and the Intimate Theater. In 1961, she co-founded the Praesens dance group with Raija Riikkala and took on the role of its leader. Arvelo’s directorial debut came in the same year when she directed the film Kultainen vasikka, based on a play by Maria Jotuni. The film was well-received, earning Arvelo the state film award and a Jussi Award for actor Helge Herala. Despite critical acclaim, she did not pursue further directorial projects, making Kultainen vasikka her only work as a film director.
Arvelo’s contributions to the Finnish film industry were not limited to directing. She also showcased her talent as a screenwriter, collaborating with acclaimed director Matti Kassila on films like Syntipukki (1957) and Kuriton sukupolvi (1957). She wrote the screenplay for Kultainen vasikka as well. In addition to her involvement in theater and film, Arvelo became a founding member of the modern dance group Praesens in 1961, further showcasing her versatility and passion for the arts.
In the 1980s, Arvelo continued to make appearances in films directed by Anssi Mänttäri, such as Nothing but Love (1984) and Farewell, Goodbye (1986). She also played a small role in Lauri Törhönen’s film Burning Angel (1984). However, for personal reasons, Arvelo decided to withdraw entirely from the entertainment industry and public life in the mid-1980s. Despite her absence, her contributions to Finnish cinema and the performing arts scene remain significant and have left a lasting legacy.
In her personal life, Arvelo married actor Matti Oravisto from 1948 to 1953 and later actor Heikki Savolainen from 1955 to 1965. She had three children, Meri (1949-1980) and Hannu (born in 1951) with Oravisto, and Satu (born in 1958) with Savolainen. Arvelo’s father, Armas Peter Arvelo (formerly Achrén; 1886-1966), served as the deputy judge and general manager of the prison from 1920 to 1945. Her mother, Lempi Arvelo, was a theater patron, indicating that Arvelo’s passion for the arts may have been influenced by her familial background.
Ritva Arvelo’s contributions to Finnish cinema, theater, and modern dance have solidified her place as a pioneering figure in the arts. Her talents and dedication to her craft have paved the way for future generations of Finnish women filmmakers and performing artists. She will be remembered not only for her remarkable achievements but also for her lasting influence on Finnish society and culture.
Awards:
– State Film Award for Kultainen vasikka
– Jussi Award for actor Helge Herala in Kultainen vasikka