Today we’re excited to be connecting with Johannes Ahonen again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Johannes, we are so thrilled to be connecting again and can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things you have been up to. Before we jump into all of that, some of our readers might have missed our prior interview, so can you take a moment to reintroduce yourself?
I am a 31 year old filmmaker, video producer and a rap-artist from Helsinki, Finland. I run a B2B video production company named Mungo.fi. My main focus is building a career as a writer, director and colorist. Being self-taught, and having a lot of obstacles and challenging life experiences along the past 8 years, has given me valuable lessons and insights that I can use to my advantage in many areas. It’s been a long way and there is still work to be done to be where I want to be (working on fictional drama and documentaries internationally), but I’m heading to the right direction!

Alright, so our main goal today is to give our audience an update on what you have been up to since our last conversation. We’d love to hear how things are going and what you are most looking forward to or excited about these days.
For the past few years we’ve been making video productions for businesses and I’ve been developing my skills in the TV- and Film Industry as well. I’ve been working in some TV and Film projects as an editor and colorist – that has been a great way to lean more into the Film industry. After all, that’s where I am aiming to work in the future. At Mungo.fi, I’ve been expanding our network of freelancers and we haver been able to make higher quality productions as I’ve had the ability to focus more on producing and directing.

In 2023, I released a rap album and got to perform in the American Car Show in Helsinki. What an experience that was! Also one of my songs hit 4 000 000 streams on Spotify – unbelievable!

The year 2024 was a big one for me. A lot of things happening at the same time.

I got to write and direct my first documentary series for the Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE) and it got nominated for an award by the Finnish Television Academy. I also was the colorist of another documentary series that was also nominated, but in a different category. Now I am working on the next documentary, and hoping to get that to production soon. I am also writing a lot of short films.

I visited Los Angeles as well – I really hope to get the opportunity to work in California in the future. That trip got me inspired to work more towards international projects, and I’m hoping to network more with creatives around the world.

I also was the editor and colorist of a indie feature film called To Thy Rest, directed by Darren McStay. That was a project full of valuable lessons of the ins and outs of working in a indie feature film production. I really hope that the film reaches the audience it deserves. The film premiered in February 2025.

So, a lot of good things has been happening just in one year, but not without challenges along the way. There was a lot happening in my personal life that was affecting me both physically and mentally. Difficult choices was to be made and lessons to be learned. But throughout the year 2024, I was able to recover and see my goals more clearly again. I am going to make art and films, and nothing is going to get in the way of that.

On the music side of things, I am working on a new album that I hope is going to be released in 2025-2026. For the past 8 years, writing music has been my go-to therapy.

Alright, so let’s do something a bit more fast-paced and lighthearted. We call this our lightning round and we’ll ask you a few quick questions.

Favorite Book: The Creative Act by Rick Rubin

Favorite TV Show: There are so many! To name one; Billions

Favorite Band or Artist: To name a few; Duvaan, Ina Forsman, Logic

Sweet or Savory: Both

Favorite Sport (to watch): Judo

Favorite Sport (to play): Judo

Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): Wrestling, snowboarding, boxing, MMA, breakdance, skateboarding

Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: There is none without the other!

Favorite Childhood movie: Home Alone 1 & 2

Favorite Breakfast Food: Coffee

What are you most excited about in the coming year?
Firstly, I really hope that I get to work on a new documentary series. But I’m also excited to write and make short films, develop my screenwriting skills and to get my fictional work out there for people to see. I hope to build more networks internationally and take part on exciting and interesting video productions. I’m excited to see how the new music album turns out as well – you really don’t know before it’s done and out there!

In 2025, I hope to be in a good balance of pursuing my filmmaking goals, working in B2B productions and also living my personal life – enjoying time with my favourite people and making new friends! Life is all about balance and you have to make the most out of your time here.

Website: https://www.mungo.fi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiiahonen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jiiahonen/

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2fiB2aXw9kwt7DCSrAAbe7?si=ERcs_t-oQ2aJ7Ose97xmqA

Image Credits
Theofanis Kavvadas, Tino-Viljami Vanhala, Pauli Pirskanen

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