J-P Passi

J-P Passi (born 1974 in Jyväskylä, Finland) is a Finnish cinematographer, director and screenwriter known for his distinctive visual storytelling in both film and television.

His notable works include the acclaimed documentaries KOVASIKAJUTTU (2012) and its follow-up TOKASIKAJUTTU (2017), chronicling the journey of the punk band Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät. Both films were shot and co-directed by Passi.

He has also collaborated with director Juho Kuosmanen on several projects, including the internationally recognized films THE HAPPIEST DAY IN THE LIFE OF OLLI MÄKI (2016) and COMPARTMENT NO. 6 (2021), both of which earned him the main award at the Manaki Brothers International Cinematographers’ Film Festival.

Expanding into high-profile television, Passi contributed to HBO’s CHERNOBYL (2019) and THE LAST OF US Season 2 (2025) serving as the 2nd unit cinematographer. He also shot the eight-part series ESTONIA (2023) which explores the causes and aftermath of the deadliest civil maritime disaster in Europe.

Passi’s work is characterized by a blend of documentary realism and cinematic artistry, capturing intimate human experiences with visual depth and sensitivity.