Battle of Tampere – Epilänharju 1918
On the 26th of March 1918 the White army was advancing towards Red-held Tampere. On the western front of the city, the Epilänharju ridge played a key role in the Battle of Tampere. A risky White assault was followed by nearly two weeks of trench warfare, until decisive battles on the eastern side broke the Red’s morale. Violence, however, continued even after the fighting was over.
The Battle of Tampere – Epilänharju 1918 dramatized documentary short film tells the events of the battle from both sides’ perspectives, focusing on individual experiences.
The film is not recommended for children under 13.
The Battle of Tampere – Epilänharju 1918 short documentary was filmed in collaboration with Vapriikki’s volunteer partners. The cast includes historical reenactors, staff members from the Tampere University’s history department and Vapriikki, as well as their family members. The actual cinematic production was carried out by Gallacas Films.
The filming took place on March 29–30, 2024, almost exactly on the same dates as the events depicted in the documentary 106 years earlier. Additionally, two supplementary filming days were arranged in April and May 2024. The filming locations included authentic Civil War sites at Epilänharju and Kalkunvuori in Tampere. Scenes were also filmed in Ala-Pispala, Näsinpuisto, and Mältinranta in Tampere, as well as at the Ilola Farm in the village of Metsäkansa in Valkeakoski.
We would like to warmly thank all our partners for their collaboration.
Teaser trailer of the documentary.