Alisa Vainio to be the subject of a new documentary film

Directors Mia Halme and Aleksi Salmenperä have begun filming a documentary about Finnish marathon runner Alisa Vainio. The project, which started filming in the spring of 2026, will follow Vainio over several years as she pursues a spot in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic marathon.

Produced by Mediawan Finland and Once Upon with both domestic and international funding, the film is expected to be released in 2029. The documentary aims to go beyond traditional sports coverage by exploring Vainio’s personal and sensitive experiences. The directors described Vainio as an exceptional athlete whose drive stems from a fundamental need to run rather than a simple desire to win.

Vainio, a European champion marathon runner, expressed interest in the project, noting that while sharing her story is a significant undertaking, she is eager to reveal aspects of her life beyond competitive results.