Joni Männistö is an animator, director, and artistic director whose work is rooted in independent animation and visual storytelling. Raised on comics, VHS films, and early stop motion experiments, he found his path through animation education in Finland and later in Estonia, where silent storytelling and visual clarity became central to his practice.

In this Northern Animation Network episode, Männistö explores his creative process, from developing films through visual ideas rather than topics to his long-standing commitment to stop motion and hand drawn animation.

He discusses the influence of nature, experimentation, and childhood perspective on his work, as well as the practical and emotional challenges of funding, working alone, and accepting criticism. The interview offers a thoughtful portrait of an artist who sees animation as a space where ideas can evolve freely, techniques can be mixed without limits, and anything can ultimately be brought to life.