An intimate exploration of craft practice as a map to a sense of belonging.
Her Inherent Belonging is a character-driven non-fiction film exploring how craft as a practice connects humans to place, their ancestral past and the present moment. Craft offers a holistic experience often lacking in our digitally-dominated modern world. Working with one’s hands harmonizes the whole human: unifying intellect, heart and hand. Remembering our inherent wholeness reminds us of belonging to (or interdependence with) each other and the natural world. When we are rooted in this feeling of belonging, we are more able to contribute to creating a reality that serves the whole.
By following the lives of Finnish craftswomen from the quiet darkness of Finland’s long winter into the midnight sun of summer, Her Inherent Belonging will transport audiences into the intimacy of their studios and their home forests to explore how their craft connects them to who they are. Thoughtful, cinematic, and rooted in character, Her Inherent Belonging is an ode to the interconnection between people, craft and place - a way of being eloquently embodied in Finland.
The project consists of a 48-minute film, four short profile videos of Finnish craftswomen for exhibition and screenings in both Finland and the United States in late 2026.
Featuring
Hanna Nore: Master Traditional Tanner of Kemiönsaari, Finland
Mervi Pasanen: Expert in Finnish Iron Age Crafts, Lahti, Finland
Heli Karmakallio Artisan of Ancient Techniques, Turku, Finland
Hanna Piipponen Master Shoemaker, Tuupovaara, Finland
Creative Team
Madison McClintock
Director, Cinematographer & Editor
Madison McClintock is an independent filmmaker and textile artist based in Maine, U.S.A. Madison is drawn to the human stories behind our collective natural and cultural heritage. Through cinema, with its unique ability to reach hearts, she intends to create spaces for audiences to reconnect with the foundational truth that our well-being relies on an interdependent relationship with each other and the “more-than-human-world” If we are proximate with this truth, we are more likely to act on behalf of the whole. Madison has had the privilege to work on predominantly impact-driven filmmaking for her career. Most recently, since 2022 she has worked with National Geographic’s Pristine Seas in field production for stories in the Marshall Islands, Palau and Papua New Guinea - the final films directly supporting the creation of national Marine Protected Areas. She received her BFA in Environmental Studies & Studio Art from Franklin University Switzerland and her MFA in Science & Natural History Filmmaking from Montana State University. Madison’s short films Red Wolf Revival and Fungiphilia Rising have been broadcasted on television and featured at film festivals and in classrooms around the world.
Aino Juutilainen
Music Composer & Sound Designer
Aino Juutilainen is a cellist, composer and sound designer based in Helsinki, Finland. She is educated in classical music but her main focus is in composing and improvising as well as sound art. Her broad contact network includes both classical, jazz and pop musicians, choreographs, dancers, actors, theatre directors and puppet theatre artists. One of her dearest projects is her own group AINON that combines jazz, improvisation and classical music. In addition to that, is a member of Quartet Ajaton, Josu Mämmi trio, Vespera, Mikko Sarvanne Garden and Koi trio.
Zeferino llamas
Illustrator & Animator
Zeferino llamas is a Mexican-American storyteller, illustrator, and wildlife conservationist originally from San Diego, California. He has had the privilege of working in the fields of natural resources management and public health on both sides of the US/México border, experiences that have led him to use his work to foster Pan-American Unity (mutual cooperation and understanding between North, Central, and South America).
Project Partners
The International Folk Art Market
U.S. Promotional Partner
Project Grantor
Project Grantor & Finland Promotional Partner
Finland Promotional Partner & Topic Advisor
Los Angeles Finlandia Foundation
U.S. Promotional and Fundraising Partner
Fiscal Sponser
Production Status & Contact
As of January 2025, Her Inherent Belonging is in-production. All images here are stills from the on-going production. Our intention is to premiere the film in late 2026. We are currently seeking support for production costs and finishing funds. We are also looking for a fiscal sponsor, sales agent, promotional and screening partners and open to collaboration on all fronts. If you are interested in supporting the production, post-production and circulation of Her Inherent Belonging, please contact Director Madison McClintock.
News
Fulbright Finland Magazine Cover and Article - Spring 2025
The Fulbright Finland Foundation facilitated the production of Her Inherent Belonging in Finland and I feel so grateful for them seeing the value of this project. Being seen is a source of energy and courage. I had a chance to write a reflective article about my time here in Finland for their biannual magazine.
Read the full article.
