Dead of Winter is an action thriller movie directed by Brian Kirk and written by Nicholas Jacobson-Larson and Dalton Leeb. The film stars Emma Thompson, Judy Greer, Marc Menchaca, Laurel Marsden, and Gaia Wise.
The story takes place in a cold and snowy region, where one woman must risk her life to save a kidnapped girl. The film’s icy landscapes and quiet forests help create a tense and dramatic atmosphere. In this guide, you will learn about the real Dead of Winter filming locations and when the movie was filmed.
The story follows Barb, a grieving widow who travels alone through the snowy wilderness of northern Minnesota. During her trip, she accidentally discovers that a teenage girl is being held hostage by a dangerous couple at a remote cabin. With no phone service and miles away from the nearest town, Barb realizes she is the only person who can save the girl.
The movie premiered on August 8, 2025, at the Locarno Film Festival and later had a U.S. theatrical release on September 26, 2025. The film was distributed by Vertical Entertainment.
Table of Contents
When and Where Was Dead of Winter Filmed?
| Film Name | Dead of Winter |
|---|---|
| Genres | Action, Thriller |
| Filming Locations | Koli, Lieksa, Joensuu, Pielisjärvi (Finland) and North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany) |
| Filming Dates | February 26, 2024 – June 2024 |
| Cinematography by | Christopher Ross |
| Release Date | September 26, 2025 |
Although the movie is set in northern Minnesota, most of the filming actually took place in Finland and Germany. Production started on February 26, 2024, and continued for several months before wrapping in late spring 2024. The snowy forests and frozen lakes of Finland were used to recreate the harsh winter environment seen in the film.
📍Koli National Park, Lieksa, Finland
Many outdoor scenes from Dead of Winter were filmed in Koli National Park in the municipality of Lieksa. The area is known for its snow-covered hills, thick forests, and frozen lakes. These landscapes were perfect for showing the remote wilderness where the story takes place. The production team used this location to film scenes involving blizzards, forest paths, and the frozen lake where intense moments in the story occur.
📍Joensuu, Finland
The nearby city of Joensuu was also used during filming. The crew traveled to this area to capture additional winter landscapes and supporting scenes. Joensuu provided easy access to forests and snowy countryside, which helped the filmmakers maintain the realistic winter setting required for the thriller.
📍Pielisjärvi (Lake Pielinen Area), Finland
Scenes involving frozen lakes and wide snowy views were filmed around Pielisjärvi, part of the Lake Pielinen region. The beautiful but harsh winter environment added tension to the film. Some dramatic moments, including outdoor confrontations, were filmed on the frozen lake surface.
📍MMC Studios, Cologne, Germany
Several indoor scenes were filmed at MMC Studios in Cologne, located in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The studio allowed the filmmakers to create controlled environments for important interior scenes, including parts of the cabin where the kidnapped girl is held. Using a studio made it easier to film complex scenes safely.
📍Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Additional sequences were also filmed in Bonn. The production used locations in the region to support the studio work done in Cologne. This helped complete several scenes needed for the film’s storyline.
All Image Credit: Dead of Winter Official Trailer Screenshot by Vertical
Is there any trailer available for Dead of Winter?
Yes, the official trailer for Dead of Winter was released on the YouTube channel Vertical. You can watch it here:
Dead of Winter was released on September 26, 2025, by Vertical Entertainment.
FAQs
Q1: Where was Dead of Winter filmed?
A1: Dead of Winter was mainly filmed in Koli, Lieksa, Joensuu, and Pielisjärvi in Finland, along with locations in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, including Cologne and Bonn.
Q2: What scenes were filmed at Koli National Park in Dead of Winter?
A2: Many outdoor scenes, including snowy forest sequences and frozen lake scenes, were filmed in Koli National Park because of its dramatic winter landscapes.
Q3: When did the filming for Dead of Winter begin?
A3: Filming for Dead of Winter began on February 26, 2024, and continued until late spring 2024.
Q4: Can I visit the filming locations of Dead of Winter?
A4: Yes, places like Koli National Park and areas around Lake Pielinen in Finland are open to visitors and are popular tourist destinations.
The filmmakers of Dead of Winter (2025) used the beautiful winter landscapes of Finland and production studios in Germany to create the film’s chilling atmosphere. Locations like Koli National Park, Pielisjärvi, and MMC Studios Cologne helped bring the intense survival story to life. These snowy environments play a major role in making the thriller feel realistic and suspenseful.
For more filming location guides of movies and TV shows, keep checking this page for updates.
Discover more from A2Z Filming Location
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.