Unboxing the M-Cult Archives

We’re happy to announce that we are unboxing M-Cult’s archive starting from February 2025! Tune in to our YouTube channel every second Thursday for archival streams from our past productions. Unboxing the M-Cult Archives begins by revisiting M2HZ Community TV. First episode features materials from M2HZ Test Week (May 2007): A mix of city culture in blooming Kallio with Kallio Kukkii programme and a discussion about open television. The programme language is Finnish.

M2HZ was an experimental media art and community television initiative (2005-2016). In 2010-2014, M2HZ evolved into Stadi.TV, a participatory media platform for the Helsinki region. These projects blended local and city culture, experimental media art, and voices from diverse communities. 

The cultures of community TV and, more broadly, community media such as M2HZ which started 20 years ago, anticipate some of the social media practices that have emerged with the development of technology and information, but without the commercial logic of social platforms and individual-centred content production. The archival materials of community TV challenge the viewer to consider what structures and practices can support diverse and collaborative media content production. On the other hand, the content invites us to examine the changing and evolving times. 

By revisiting these histories, we ask: How do these practices of community TV and media translate into today’s social and political contexts? What has changed and which questions re-emerge today, in what kind of forms?

The kick off of the Unboxing the Archives is right around the corner – tune in February 20, 2025!

Read more of the programme below.

Unboxing the M-Cult Archives VOL 1: M2HZ

February 20, 2025
At 14:30
On M-Cult’s YouTube Channel
 

PROGRAMME FOR THE OPENING EPISODE 

M2HZ Trailer (2007)
Release date: 2008

A short trailer from the M2HZ pilot broadcast in 2007, showcasing the atmosphere and highlights of the program. The M2HZ pilot broadcast took place in Helsinki from July 14th to 20th in 2007, and was aired on digital cable, online, and on mobile platforms.

Featuring various programs and creators, including Iltasatu, Vadelma kukkii, La Famiglia Scusi, Kinos, Foxoff, Kallio kukkii, Home Made Idols, SWAT-tv, Ääni ja Vimma, Tapahtumien kaupunki, Megapolis, Pirtola, Kaupunkikuva, Oikeus Olla, Digitales, Yliopisto TV: Pelottava Venäjä, Finncon 2006, Saurofonia, Uuno Turhabuto, Harjoitellaan, Kokeellisen elektronikan seurassa, Mediaraati, Avoin media, Machinima, Guinea Pig, and Homage to Karl Jansky. 

Kallio Kukkii (Part 1)
Release date: 2007

A documentary about the Kallio Kukkii festival and its background. The program follows the journey of the Tango Tram, Sika Puustinen's art, and discusses urban cycling and diaconal work. Filmed in the Kallio area of Helsinki during the event.

Interviews with Anu Horttanainen, Kati Löytty, Kati Helin, and Kimmo Helistö.
Works: Anteeksi! - Runaway-antiadvert and the art of Sika Puustinen. Poem: Esko Hytönen. Music: Dj Candle in the Wind.

Community Television Discussion
Release date: 2007

A discussion about the possibilities of community television in Finland. Topics include the development potential of local television and its communication and economic policy frameworks. Could television also become a local iniative that follows people's everyday lives and celebrations? What is community television and what kind of communication policy and economic framework would it need to develop? Discussion was filmed during the M2HZ pilot broadcast in 2007. 

Panelists include Seppo Kangaspunta (Yliopisto-TV), Kristiina Kantola (VTT Local TV Project), Markus Petteri Laine (ATV), and Satu Raudasoja (OUBS).
Moderator: Minna Tarkka (M2HZ).