Film director Mika Kaurismäki, singer/actor Samuli Edelmann, producer Pete Eklund, sound designer Joonas Jyrälä and Kari Jyrälä are working together to start a new foundation to honour late Finnish sound designer Paul 'Pappa' Jyrala, who died in 2007.

The new association plans to launch the Pappa Awards for New Talents. Sony BMG Music Entertainment Finland is donating Euros 3,000 to the awards honouring new talents in film and music sound design.

The inaugural winners, drawn from new Finnish sound designers, will be announced June 6 at a memorial concert, Pappa-Fest in Helsinki.

Jyrala worked on Finnish films as well as oninternational productions including The Patriot and Hannibal. He was also the first and only Finnish film professional ever to be invited to be a member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

A professional jury to decide the nominees is comprised of: Pekka Karjalainen Professor, Matti Kuortti, and Kirka Sainio (film jury); Pekka Ruuska, Tommi Kyyräm and Kimmo Valtanen (music jury).

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