Medanta workwear will be seen on the big screen this autumn when Klaus Härö's new film Hetki Ennen Valoa premieres on September 11, 2026. The drama depicts life amidst a healthcare crisis, where the newborn baby of new parents Leni (Oona Airola) and Kari (Jussi Vatanen) is admitted to intensive care. Specialist nurse Inka (Laura Birn) provides comfort to the new mother in the midst of the crisis, while she herself juggles a demanding job and the challenges of single parenthood.
Inspired by real healthcare labor disputes, the film highlights the realities of the healthcare sector. Nurses threaten to strike amidst labor disputes, and the employer retaliates, but the need for care does not cease. Two battles are underway in the hospital: for better working conditions for nurses and for the care of young patients. Caught in this crossfire, the protagonist Inka faces major decisions.
Photo: Robert Nordstrom
Authentic Workwear as the Basis for Costume Design
Jussi Award-winning costume designer Tiina Kaukanen created the nurses' look for the film from Medanta's range of healthcare workwear. For the film, shot in autumn 2025, authentic workwear was chosen for the nurses' costumes to enhance the credibility of the characters and convey a realistic image of nurses' work. The most popular Medanta Sulo nurse shirts and Onni nurse trousers in Frost Grey were selected for the healthcare staff in the film.
"The collaboration with the Medanta team, including communication and messaging, was clear and quick. Throughout the different stages of production, from preliminary planning and delivery schedules all the way to returning the clothes," says the film's costume designer Tiina Kaukanen.
"It was immediately clear to us that we wanted to be part of the film project because its themes so closely address the everyday lives of our customers. The film's central question 'Who takes care of the caregiver?' is also behind Medanta's founding story. We want to design and manufacture the best possible workwear for those professionals who do invaluable work for our society," says Salla Ceder, Medanta's Marketing Coordinator.
Photo: Robert Nordstrom
Costume Builds the Character's Professional Identity
For an actor, clothing is an important part of building a character and immersing oneself in the role. Authentic workwear helps to adopt the character's professional identity and brings credibility to movements, gestures, and demeanor. At the same time, it conveys a realistic image of the character and their work to the viewer. When clothing matches the real work environment, the character feels authentic to both the actor and the audience.
"When I put on Medanta's workwear during the filming of Hetki Ennen Valoa, it helped me effortlessly slip into the role of nurse Tuula Hakkarainen. Costumes are really important in my work for creating a character's persona. In addition to helping me identify with Tuula and her work, they were also incredibly comfortable to wear," says actress Mari Rantasila.
Actress Janna Räsänen describes the importance of workwear in creating a character as follows: "The authentic workwear received in collaboration with Medanta created an authentic atmosphere in the hospital scenes of the film. When I put on the work uniform, I immediately felt I was stepping into my character's world. The work uniform made me a nurse, so I could focus on creating the character's personality."
"These kinds of film projects are, in my opinion, also a good demonstration of the role that workwear plays in healthcare. Successful workwear creates an image of trustworthiness and professionalism," describes Salla Ceder, Medanta's Marketing Coordinator.
Photo: Robert Nordstrom
Workwear Suitable for Every Role
Medanta workwear is designed with different body types and users in mind. This is important both in everyday healthcare and in film costume design. A wide range of sizes, as well as different styles and cuts, help everyone find well-fitting and comfortable workwear. During the film's production, the fit of the clothing on different body types received praise from both the costume designer and the actors.
"Most importantly, the clothes fit all body types perfectly," describes the film's costume designer Tiina Kaukanen.
Actress Kaarina Hazard also praised the fit of the clothes: "Fantastic wardrobe. Slipped on like a glove even on a more voluptuous figure!"
Hetki ennen valoa premieres on September 11, 2026. Then, viewers will get to see how the film's characters face various crises in their lives and find ways to cope with them. At the same time, the big screen will show how Medanta's workwear supports the credibility of the characters and how it looks as part of the film's hospital world.
Facts:
- Hetki ennen valoa is a Finnish drama film directed by Klaus Härö, premiering on September 11, 2026.
- The film was written by Kirsi Vikman and Jimmy Karlson.
- Tiina Kaukanen is responsible for the film's costume design.
- Laura Birn and Oona Airola star in the film.
- Medanta has partnered with the film by providing healthcare workwear for Hetki Ennen Valoa.
