Born 1965 in Helsinki (Finland), based in Helsinki.

Studied cultural anthropology at the University of Helsinki and video at the Institute of Design, Lahti Polytechnic in Lahti, Finland. Interested in the progress of science and technology, Taanila's works have aspects of both documentary and experimental film, shuttling between reality and fantasy. Depicting futuristic visions and utopias that blend technology and art, combined with a curiosity-driven stance like that seen in amateur films produced by archaeology and science fans, his films observe and investigate the development of technology, taken as being at the center of society, from many different viewpoints. 《The Most Electrified Town in Finland》 (2004-2012)—produced as a three-channel video installation for Documenta 13 in 2012—depicts the Olkiluoto 3 nuclear power plant in Eurajoki, southwest Finland, scheduled for completion in 2014. This plant has two nuclear reactors, and is the first nuclear power plant to be constructed in Europe post-Chernobyl. The approach taken by this work does not touch on the debate over the facility. Instead it straightforwardly depicts the construction of the new nuclear reactors against the backdrop of the small town of 6,000 people nearby. This film, which Taanila has been working on since 2004, induces viewers to think about the relationship between the power of the state and the local region, and about the fate of a town that has fallen into dependence on nuclear power for its economic benefits. The film is due to be screened again at Aichi Triennale 2013. It also hints at the gap between major cities and local cities, bringing into relief the issues arising in the many regions of Japan that have hosted nuclear power plants, including, of course, Fukushima.