Seidi Haarla

Seidi Helena Alexandra Haarla, born on January 1, 1984, is an acclaimed Finnish actress recognized for her remarkable contributions to film and theater. She gained significant attention for her portrayal of Laura in Juho Kuosmanen's critically praised film *Compartment No. 6* (2021), which is an adaptation of Rosa Liksom's novel. Haarla's performance in this leading role not only garnered widespread acclaim but also earned her the prestigious European Film Promotion (EFP) Shooting Stars Award, highlighting her as one of the year's most promising talents.

Hailing from Kirkkonummi, Finland, Haarla is part of a lineage steeped in the arts; her father, Teuri Haarla, is an artist, and her sister, Ruusu, is a playwright and director. Her artistic heritage extends to her grandparents, actor Saulo Haarla and soprano Helena Salonius, as well as her great-grandparents, who also made their mark in the performing arts.

Haarla began her acting journey in 2004 with a student theater group in Helsinki and further honed her craft at the Russian State Institute of Performing Arts. She completed her Master of Arts in Theater and Drama from the University of the Arts Helsinki in 2015. Alongside her sister, she co-wrote the plays *The Trauma Body* (2014) and *New Childhood* (2020), drawing inspiration from her own life experiences. Since 2015, Haarla has been a prominent figure in Finnish film and television, solidifying her status as a talented and versatile actress. In recognition of her outstanding work, she received a nomination for Best Actress at the European Film Awards in 2021.