The 13th edition of the Finnish Film Affair (FFA) will take place in Helsinki from 25-27 September, highlighting the latest developments in Finnish and Nordic cinema. In addition to its Main Showcase, FFA 2024 introduces the "Finnish Weird" pitching session (see the news), a platform for unconventional filmmaking that focuses on transmedia, artificial intelligence (AI) and alternative film financing.

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The Main Showcase will feature seven works in development, including Little Mr. Sandman, directed by the acclaimed Heikki Kujanpää, and She Did Not Show Remorse, a historical drama by Oscar-nominated director Selma Vilhunen. Audiences can also look forward to films at various stages of production, such as Klaus Härö's Never Alone, which is expected to resonate for its emotional depth.

In the series category, attention will centre on Hildur, an adaptation of Matti Laine’s bestselling novel. Meanwhile, the documentary section will feature Jussi Sandhu's But I’m No Influencer, exploring the life of a businessman from the Philippines attending an influencer academy in Finland. The Nordic Selection will include films from Sweden, Denmark and Finland, such as Sunniva Eir Tangvik Kveum's Nipster, which tackles the theme of eco-fascism.

These projects will compete for three awards, sponsored by the Finnish Film Foundation, AVEK and Konstsamfundet, which also supports the Nordic Selection series. The jury tasked with determining the best fiction and Nordic projects includes Gudrun Giddings (G4C Innovation), Heidi Zwicker (Sundance Film Festival), Martin Morgenfeld (MACO) and Claire Willats (Rockwood Pictures). The best documentary project will be decided on by Marianna Kaat (Tallinn University), Iris Olsson (project coach) and Freja Johanne Nørgaard Sørensen (DR Sales).

A key highlight of FFA 2024 is the debut of the "Finnish Weird" pitching session, which features 20 projects from nine countries, spanning multiple genres, including short films, features, TV series and reality TV. Selected for their originality and international potential, these projects embody FFA’s mission to challenge traditional filmmaking norms.

Notable entries include Raven, a coming-of-age horror short by Laura Hyppönen, and Marie, Sweetie, an Estonian-Lithuanian co-production directed by Vivian Säde. Other highlights are The Head Job, a dark comedy by Timo Turunen, and Postpartum – Payback Time, a reality-TV concept from Milla Puolakanaho. International collaboration also plays a prominent role, with titles such as Death. Karma. Moksha, directed by Indian filmmaker Roy Dipankar. The complete selection can be found here.

The "Finnish Weird" session underscores FFA’s growing emphasis on global partnerships and innovation. The winning project will receive a €2,000 prize from Riimu Creative Agency, along with access to rental and editing facilities from Angel Films and Post Control. Jury members include Elina Ahlbäck (Elina Ahlback Literary Agency), Jason Gutierrez (Tribeca Film Festival), director-screenwriter Samuel Boateng, and TV producer and host Jarno Laasala.

A major theme at FFA 2024 is the integration of transmedia and AI into filmmaking. The panel “Rethinking Film as a Product: Building a Business with Transmedia” will explore how intellectual properties (IPs) can extend beyond cinema into industries like gaming and merchandise. FFA 2024 also offers a new Crew Pass, granting access to skill-development sessions. Workshops will address practical topics, such as the legal aspects of international film contracts and using AI to enhance storytelling.

International collaboration remains central, with award-winning producer Rakasree Basu delivering a keynote on “Co-producing with India”, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities of working with the country’s film industry. This aligns with FFA’s broader aim to foster global partnerships.

AI will be a recurring theme, including a master class by creative consultant Tatjana Samopjan titled “Real Imagination: Layers and Subtext in Life and Film”, which will explore how AI and personal experience can enhance storytelling. A panel discussion, “Ground-up: Building a Film Industry with AI”, will feature experts like conceptual artist Kevin Abosch, known for creating a film entirely using AI.

Sustainability will also be a focal point, with a panel led by sustainability manager Anne Puolanne titled “Production Methods and Genres”. The discussion will examine the carbon footprint of various genres, comparing live-action and animated productions, and evaluate how Finnish productions measure up against international sustainability standards.

Here are the selected projects at the 2024 Finnish Film Affair:

Fiction in Development

Blood – The Devil in Helsinki - Viivi Huuska (Finland)
Producer: Mika Pajunen (61North)

In Bloom - Haohao Qiaoshi Liu (Finland)
Producers: Mathis Ferrault, Sophie Canet (Kaide Tuotannot Oy)

Little Mr. Sandman - Heikki Kujanpää (Finland/Estonia/Sweden)
Producers: Klaus Heydemann (Inland Film Company), Nikolai Mihailsin, Madis Tüür (Münchhausen Film), Tony Österholm (Iris Film)

Lying to Mother - Carol Brandt (Finland/Sweden)
Producer: Heidi Lindén (ACM Entertainment)

Monster Boy - Pete Riski (Finland)
Producers: Antti Kaarlela, Aleksi Puranen (Whatevergroup Oy)

She Did Not Show Remorse - Selma Vilhunen (Finland/Norway/Denmark)
Producer: Venla Hellstedt (Dionysos Films)

Silverwhite - Martti Helde (Estonia)
Producer: Elina Litvinova (Three Brothers)

Fiction in Progress

Earth Song - Erol Mintaş (Finland/Germany)
Producers: Mete Sasioglu, Erol Mintaş (Sons of Lumière), Tanja Georgieva-Waldhauer (Elemag Pictures), Anna Blom (Jamedia)

Never Alone - Klaus Härö (Finland/Austria/Estonia/Germany/Sweden)
Producer: Ilkka Matila (MRP Matila Röhr Productions)
Co-producers: Loredana Rehekampff, Andreas Schmied (Samsara Film), Kristian Taska, Adele Tähemaa (Taska), Josef Brandmayer, John Hörnschemeyer, Peter Krupenin

Safe House - Eirik Svensson (Norway/Sweden)
Producers: Catrin Gundersen, Hugo Hagemann Føsker (Fantefilm Fiksjon AS)

Sudden Outbursts of Emotions - Paula Korva (Finland)
Producer: Marko Talli (Yellow Film & TV)

Summer Is Crazy - Ulla Heikkilä (Finland)
Producer: Marja Pihlaja (Tekele Productions)

Nordic Selection

Nipster - Sunniva Eir Tangvik Kveum (Sweden)
Producer: Adam Lunenborg (Carbs Film)

Second Victims - Zinnini Elkington (Denmark)
Producer: Johannes Rothaus Nørregaard (Meta Film)

Documentaries

But I’m No Influencer - Jussi Sandhu (Finland)
Producer: Pasi Hakkio (Wacky Tie Films)

Fruitcakes – The Dawn of Drag - Vesa Kuosmanen (Finland)
Producer: Sandra Enkvist (Polygraf)

In Cod We Trust - Guro Saniola Bjerk (Norway/Finland)
Producers: Benedikte Bredesen (f(x) produksjoner AS), Pasi Hakkio (Wacky Tie Films)

Riding with Death - Nina Forsman, Sakari Suuronen (Finland)
Producer: Markku Tuurna (Filmimaa)

The Beauty of Errors - Jukka Kärkkäinen (Finland/Sweden/Norway)
Producers: Juha Löppönen, Sami Jahnukainen (Mouka Filmi)
Co-producers: Carsten Aanonsen (Autoimages), Ove Rishøj Jensen (Indie)

Women Named Pauliina - Pauliina Punkki (USA/Finland)
Producers: Essi Haukkamaa (Aallotar Productions), Veronika Janatková (Pandistan), Pauliina Punkki (Ida Productions)