Helsinki, 12 December 2024 – The Finnish capital glimmered with excitement as it proudly launched the inaugural Helsinki Arab Film Festival (HelAFF), marking a significant milestone as the first film festival dedicated exclusively to Arabic cinema and the film industry.
The grand opening gala took place at Eurooppa Sali, nestled within the headquarters of the Finnish representation to the European Union, right in the heart of the city. This prestigious venue set the stage for an evening brimming with cultural celebration.
Dignitaries in attendance included Mr. Erkki Tuomioja, the esteemed former Finnish Foreign Minister, who expressed his delight at Finland hosting such a momentous event. In his address, Tuomioja not only encouraged Arabic speakers and expatriates to partake in the festivities but also voiced a fervent hope to see greater engagement from the Finnish populace.
The ceremony was graced by a number of Arab ambassadors, including Mr. Mohamed Ghoniem, Ambassador of Egypt, Mr. Mohamed Achgalou, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, and Mr. Taisier Al-Adjoury, Ambassador of the State of Palestine, demonstrating a robust diplomatic presence in support of the festival.
President of HelAFF, Mr. Azer Sawiris, inaugurated the evening with a bilingual speech that resonated with the diversity of the festival’s mission, followed by an engaging trailer showcasing the films set to be screened over the coming days.
Highlighting the festival's theme of cultural dialogue, Mr. Amir El-Khatib, the festival's manager, emphasized the potent role of cinema as a vehicle for fostering integration and understanding among communities.
The inaugural ceremony featured the screening of two poignant short films: “Chastity Belt” from Iraq and “I Hoped” from Egypt, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Arabic storytelling.
Among the attendees was acclaimed Finnish actress Ms. Pihla Viitala, adding a touch of local star power to the proceedings.
The evening culminated in a lively reception at the EU headquarters, where guests exchanged ideas and reflections, further enhancing the festival’s goal of bridging cultural gaps through the medium of cinema. HelAFF stands poised to become a significant cultural fixture in Helsinki, promising to enrich the local landscape with the vibrancy of Arab film.
