HELSINKI
ARAB
FILM
FESTIVAL '25

مهرجان هلسنكي للفيلم العربي

2nd Edition

8-13 September 2025

HelAFF is proud to announce its Second Edition!
September 8-13, 2025

The Helsinki Arab Film Festival [HelAFF] is dedicated to enriching the Finnish cultural landscape by showcasing Arabic cinema and culture.
As the only festival of its kind in Finland, it serves to connect local audiences with the diverse narratives of Arab filmmakers.

Following the success of our inaugural edition in December 2024, HelAFF will continue to create an annual platform that fosters creativity, dialogue, and appreciation for Arab cinema, ultimately bridging cultures and celebrating the art of storytelling.

- Submit your film for HelAFF'25 -

The open call for film submission runs until 15th July 2025

OPEN - CALL 2025

Dr. Jabbar Joudi Appointed Head of Programming Committee for HelAFF'25

Dr. Jabbar Joudi Al-Abboudi, a prominent figure of the Iraqi cultural scene, has been appointed as the head of the Programming Committee for the 2nd edition of the Helsinki Arab Film Festival (HelAFF'25).

Jun 12

HelAFF Participates in Egyptian Catholic Centre for Cinema Festival; Finnish Ambassador Attends

HelAFF participates in Egyptian Catholic Center for Cinema Festival with the attendance of the Finnish Ambassador to Egypt

May 9

Helsinki University Hosts HelAFF

The Helsinki Arab Film Festival (HelAFF) gives a lecture at Helsinki University about the significant role of cinema in conveying the cultures and lifestyles of diverse people.

Apr 10

HelAFF Visits Egyptian Catholic Centre for Cinema

The Helsinki Arab Film Festival (HelAFF) recently paid a visit to the Egyptian Catholic Centre for Cinema in Cairo to discuss the outcomes of HelAFF's inaugural edition, which took place prior to the end of 2024.

Feb 21

Helsinki Arab Film Festival Announces Korjaamo as Venue for 2nd Edition

Helsinki Arab Film Festival Announces Korjaamo as Venue for 2nd Edition. Reinforcing the tremendous success of its inaugural edition last year, the Helsinki Arab Film Festival (HelAFF) has selected the Korjaamo Cultural Center in Helsinki as the venue for its highly anticipated second edition.

Feb 10

HelAFF Awards Prizes in Baghdad

Amir Khatib, General Manager and Co-founder of the Helsinki Arab Film Festival (HelAFF), presented awards to Iraqi actors and filmmakers who triumphed during the festival's inaugural edition.

Feb 8

HELSINKI ARAB FILM FESTIVAL '25