National Audiovisual Institute was formed in January 2014 as a result of a merger between the National Audiovisual Archive (formerly Finnish Film Archive, 1957-2007) and the Centre for Media Education and Audiovisual Media (formerly Finnish Board of Film Classification, 1946-2011).

KAVI is both a memory organization and a specialist supervisory agency with ca. 90 employees. A “typical” KAVI civil servant is a 46-year-old male specialist with an academic degree.

KAVI’s tasks are exceptionally diverse. The agency safeguards the Finnish audiovisual heritage for future generations by acquiring, restoring and preserving audiovisual materials (film, television, radio). KAVI conducts and supports research and strengthens knowledge of audiovisual culture in its various forms. It seeks to promote media education, children’s media skills and the development of safe media environment for children in cooperation with other authorities and corporations in the sector.

Work assignments in our organization are interesting and they offer a fascinating viewpoint to the history, the present situation and the future of the audiovisual culture. Digital revolution has provided KAVI with a set of new challenges. Rapid changes demand modern equipment and competent professionals with the understanding of the importance of global networking.

The flagship of the institute’s screening program, the cinema Kino Regina, welcomes film lovers in Oodi, Helsinki Central Library. Seasonal screening programs take place in the cities of Hämeenlinna, Joensuu, Jyväskylä, Kuopio, Lahti, Oulu, Rovaniemi, Tampere and Turku.

The National Audiovisual Institute (KAVI) and the Arts Promotion Centre Finland (Taike) are preparing to merge into a new agency as of 1 January 2026. The merger is part of the Ministry of Education and Culture’s Education and Culture Administration 2030 reform project.