Cinema admissions in Finland reached 8.5 million in 2012, the best result since 1983.

In 2012, Finnish films sold 2.4 million tickets – up 50% on 2011, and 300,000 more than in the record year of 2010 - to control 28% of the market, according to statistics published by the Finnish Chamber of Films (Filmkamari), the Finnish Distributors and Exhibitors’ Association.

Total admissions reached 8.5 million, the best result since 1983.

“There are two reasons for the good result – one is the performance of domestic productions, the other the digitisation of Finnish cinemas,” said Harri Ahokas, head of distribution at the Finnish Film Foundation.

“Today 95% of all screens are digital, and local fare has always been a strong attraction at mid-size or small venues, which now open the films simultaneously with the big cities.”

The top ten of 2012 releases are spearheaded by US fare, UK director Sam Mendes’ Skyfall closing in on 700,000 admissions, and Ice Age 4 – Continental Drift on 400,000.

The first of three local titles in the top ten - Ricky Rapper and Cool Wendy - took close to 310,000.

Top 5 Finnish Releases 2012 (local films)

1 Ricky Rapper and Cool Wendy (Risto Räppääjä ja viileä Venla)
Dir: Mari Rantasila. Local distr: Nordisk Film – 309,942 admissions.

2 Road North (Tie pohjoiseen)
Dir: Mika Kaurismäki. Local distr: FS Film – 264,830 adms.

3 Purge (Puhdistus)
Dir: Antti Jokinen. Local dist: Nordisk Film – 208,501 adms.

4 The Storage (Varasto)
Dir: Taru Mäkelä. Local distr: Nordisk Film – 193,654 adms.

5 Iron Sky
Dir: Timo Vuorensola. Local distr: Walt Disney Nordic – 182,420 adms.

TOP 10 FILMS 2012

1 James Bond: Skyfall
Dir: Sam Mendes (UK, US). Local distr: FS Film/SF – 615,895 admissions

2 Ice Age 4 – Continental Drift
Dirs: Steve Martino, Mike Thurmeier (US). Local distr: FS Film/SF – 316,607  admissions

3 Ricky Rapper and Cool Wendy (Risto Räppääjä ja viileä Venla)
Dir: Mari Rantasila. Local distr: Nordisk Film – 309,942 admissions

4 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Dir: Peter Jackson (US). Local distr: FS Film/SF – 308,383 admissions

5 Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted
Dirs: Eric Darell, Tom McGrath (IS). Local distr: FK/Paramount – 307,448 admissions

6 The Dark Knight Rises
Dir: Christopher Nolan (US). Local distr: FS Film/Warner Bros – 288,996 admissions

7 Road North (Tie pohjoiseen)
Dir: Mika Kaurismäki. Local distr: FS Film – 264,830 admissions

8 Purge (Puhdistus)
Dir: Antti Jokinen. Local dist: Nordisk Film – 208,501 admissions

9 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2
Dir: Bill Condon (US). Local dist: Nordisk Film – 206,417 admissions

10 The Hunger Games
Dir: Gary Ross (US). Local dist: Nordisk Film – 196,093 admissions