Markku Nieminen has dedicated his life to preserving the traditions of the Kalevala villages in Russian Karelia. These villages are renowned as the origin points of the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala. However, the closure of the Finnish-Russian border has significantly hampered his work, making it even more challenging than during the Soviet era. The new restrictions impede access to the region and the communities holding these vital cultural traditions. Nieminen’s efforts focus on documenting and safeguarding the unique folklore, songs, and customs of these areas. The border closure effectively creates a new “iron curtain,” isolating the cultural heritage and those who maintain it. This situation poses a serious threat to the continuation of these traditions, as direct contact and exchange are now severely limited.