Daniela Hakulinen – Award-Winning Screenwriter & Storyteller

Daniela Hakulinen (b. 1984) is an acclaimed film and television screenwriter from Northern Finland, now based in Helsinki. With a keen eye for authentic storytelling and emotionally resonant narratives, she has co-written two major feature films: Girl Picture (2022) and The Grump: In Search of an Escort (2022).

Girl Picture, co-written with Ilona Ahti, made history as the first Finnish feature film ever selected for the prestigious international competition at the Sundance Film Festival. The screenplay earned Hakulinen and Ahti both the Jussi Award and the Sylvi Prize, solidifying their reputation as leading voices in contemporary screenwriting.

Her other feature film, The Grump: In Search of an Escort, brought to life Tuomas Kyrö’s beloved character and became the most-watched Finnish film of 2022, proving her ability to craft stories that captivate audiences.

Beyond film, Hakulinen is a sought-after television writer, dramaturg, and teaches screenwriting, shaping the next generation of storytellers.