Jasmine, a young Romani girl, lives in Helsinki with her grandmother, who arrived there years earlier as a refugee from Karelia. Jasmine spends her childhood with her grandmother, but also in Sweden and in a residential care home.

Life is full of challenges. School feels difficult, she faces prejudice, and she often feels different from those around her. She struggles to find her place in the world.

Everything changes one day when she receives a guitar. Through music, she finds strength, her own voice, and a sense of belonging. The guitar becomes her way to express herself.

With determination, courage, and hard work, Jasmine moves step by step toward her dream. Her journey eventually leads her all the way to the Eurovision Song Contest, where she proudly represents Finland on stage.

Jasmine and the Squirrel is a heartwarming and inspiring story about a brave Romani girl’s journey to becoming a star musician, a cheeky squirrel, and a grandmother who is a master of crochet. It is a tale of self-discovery, overcoming obstacles, embracing one’s identity, and following one’s dreams.

On stage, Jasmine herself tells her story. She is joined by actress Riina Tikkanen, who brings Elina Sarno’s charismatic puppets to life.

Recommended age: 4+
Duration: 30 minutes

Direction and Puppets: Elina Sarno
Musician: Jasmine Valentin
Puppeteer: Riina Tikkanen
Script: Created by the working group, based on a story by Jasmine Valentin and Milena Parland
Production: Ad Astra r.f.