Finnish Film Affair turns 10 with hybrid event in Helsinki

Following its successful first hybrid edition in 2020, Finnish Film Affair (FFA), has announced that for its 10^th edition, it will unfold again both online and on-sight, pending on Covid-19 restrictions.

“We received great feedback last year from our first hybrid edition, and had a record 156 international guests, against around 100 pre-pandemic” said Maria Pirkkalainen, Head of the Finnish Film Affair (FFA) who stresses that half of the delegates were first-timers. “This year there are still travel restrictions in many parts of the world due to the pandemic, but hopefully it will be a bit more ‘normal’, and we expect to attract a larger international industry delegation, especially as we’re celebrating our 10^th anniversary,” said Pirkkalainen.

To celebrate its 10^th anniversary, FFA will publish an impact report with data and case studies of projects that were launched in Helsinki. “We’re proud to have many positive stories to tell as over the last decade, we’ve facilitated networking between Finnish industry people and international delegates, and helped people develop their skills,” notes Pirkkalainen.

For the second consecutive year, FFA will collaborate with Nordisk Film & TV Fond for its Nordic Flair talent development scheme, focusing on sales agents and distribution from the Nordic countries. While last year’s focus was on rising talents, this year decision-makers in sales and distribution will be invited to Helsinki, to satisfy the special demand from industry people.

Call for participants for Nordic Flair’s market training initiative will open during the Marché du Film on FFA’s website.

Last year’s distribution case studies co-organised with Nordisk Film & TV Fond were dedicated to the Norwegian film Beware of Children and Swedish film Psychosis in Stockholm.

FFA’s other focal point - the Pitching showcase with more than 20 Finnish feature and documentary projects in development, production or post-production, will also include four Nordic projects from first and second-time directors.

Meanwhile, the panel discussions will focus notably on ‘How to develop diversity in the industry’ and festival strategies.

The full FFA programme will be announced early September.

Accreditation both for the Helsinki Film Festival and FFA will open in August.