Smoking Spot

An experimental documentary about the loss of the communal smoking area. 

Little by little these areas disappear from the landscape as societies strive to become smoke-free. These liminal, in-between spaces are often also personal spaces in public areas. They are places of pause, modified for oneself or the community. This work contemplates themes of cultural norms, specialised places, social meanings and territorial behaviour of human beings. How a public place is turned into a personal space by its daily users and what happens when we lose these spots while becoming a healthier society. 

We all need a small moment amidst the rush, information overload, and bad news. The summer was beautiful, and so is the human being amidst all transience.

Script, camera, editing, directing, production: Niina Suominen
Music: Lau Nau
Sound design: N Fin
Sound mastering: Ville Kuukka
Colour grading: Timo Teräväinen

Production supported by: VISEK, AVEK/Milla Moilanen, TAIKE/Arts Promotion Centre Finland
In cooperation: YLE/Sari Volanen.