Career
Aaltonen began his career in the mid-1970s working as a sound editor on various films. Early in his career he worked with Rauni Mollberg as co-writer on two of his films, Milka (1980) and The Unknown Soldier (1985). In 1987 Aaltonen directed his first feature film, Tilinteko, which he co-wrote with Aki Kaurismäki, who also produced the film.
Five years later he directed a film that has been considered his primary breakthrough, The Prodigal Son (1992).
Aaltonen has also made documentaries and directed television series.
