The Finnish Film Affair (FFA) is set to return to Helsinki from 25-27 September, marking its 13th edition with significant programme expansions and a heightened focus on cross-industry innovation. As one of the Nordics’ premier film-industry events, FFA is not only attracting more attendees but is also breaking new ground by embracing the convergence of film, gaming and transmedia. This year, FFA introduces two new accreditation options – the Gaming Pass and the Crew Pass – designed to engage a broader spectrum of creative professionals.

In response to the rapidly evolving creative landscape, FFA is training the spotlight on the future of filmmaking by delving into emerging business models and the possibilities offered by cross-industry partnerships. Key themes such as AI, transmedia and crossmedia – where narratives are adapted across multiple platforms – will be at the forefront. The event is particularly noteworthy for its focus on integrating the gaming industry and traditional filmmaking, making it the first in the Nordic region to do so.

With major gaming giants like Supercell and Rovio headquartered in Helsinki, Finnish Film Affair is positioning itself as a leader in this cross-sector dialogue. The introduction of the Gaming Pass allows gaming professionals to engage directly with the film industry, opening up new avenues for collaboration. The pass offers access to dedicated sessions, including a pitching event that explicitly welcomes game projects.

One of the most highly anticipated additions to this year’s programme is a new pitching session titled Finnish Weird (F-Weird). Designed to celebrate creativity that challenges the norm, this session is open to filmmakers, TV producers, scriptwriters and game developers from around the world. Finnish Weird invites submissions of the most daring, unconventional ideas across a variety of formats, including feature films, short films, TV series, web series, documentaries, reality shows and transmedia projects.

Participants are encouraged to think outside the box, showcasing concepts with unusual plot twists, multidimensional characters and hybrid genres. A total of 20 projects will be selected, the teams behind which will present two-minute pitches to a jury of industry experts. The winning pitch will be rewarded with equipment rentals from Angel Films, editing support from Postcontrol and a €2,000 prize courtesy of Riimu Creative Agency, a new venture led by Laura Laaksonen. The call for submissions is open until 25 August (click here) and is specifically targeted at emerging talent with no more than two professional credits in the role they are pitching in.

The expanded FFA programme will also feature a range of panel discussions and workshops designed to explore the intersection of film and gaming. Highlights include a practical workshop on cross-industry pitching led by media consultant Hannah Dubcoff and a transmedia panel featuring Avalanche Studios Group, who will share insights on integrating narratives across various media platforms. One of the cornerstone events for Gaming Pass holders is the FFA Gaming x Film Matchmaking session, to be held on 26 September. This initiative aims to pair gaming and film professionals in one-on-one meetings, fostering collaborations that could drive future innovation in both industries.

In addition to the Gaming Pass, FFA is introducing the Crew Pass, catering to below-the-line professionals like technicians, designers and other crew members. This accreditation grants access to specialised master classes, workshops and networking events. Notable sessions include a master class on layered storytelling by creative consultant Tatjana Samopjan, and a workshop exploring the role of AI in filmmaking led by design director Umberto Onza.

With the introduction of the Gaming and Crew Passes, FFA is setting a new standard for how the industry can evolve through cross-disciplinary collaboration. Accreditations for this year’s event are available until 15 September (click here), with the full programme to be unveiled in early September.