Dome Karukoski's life took a significant turn at the tender age of five, when he relocated to Finland from his birthplace in Cyprus. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a journey that would shape his future in profound ways. His mother, a Finnish journalist, and father, an American actor, played a significant role in his upbringing, instilling in him a rich cultural heritage.
As a result of his unique upbringing, Karukoski developed a remarkable proficiency in two languages, Swedish and Finnish, making him a bilingual individual with a distinct advantage in the world of film and art.
The year 1999 proved to be a turning point in Karukoski's life, as he was selected to join the esteemed University of Art and Design of Helsinki. Interestingly, only three students were chosen to major in directing that year, making Karukoski one of the select few to receive this prestigious opportunity.
As a culmination of his studies, Karukoski created a graduation film titled "Tyttö, sinä olet tähti", a project that showcased his exceptional skills and marked the beginning of his journey as a professional filmmaker.