Helsinki, 16 December 2024 – The inaugural Helsinki Arab Film Festival (HelAFF) has concluded, leaving a vibrant cultural mark on the Finnish capital and a clarion call for enhanced backing from cultural and social authorities. Festival organisers urged stakeholders to recognise the festival as a vital medium for fostering integration and mutual understanding.
In a remarkable showcase, the festival received around 70 film entries from 11 Arab nations in response to its open call, resulting in a carefully curated selection of 15 films that captivated an eager audience. The diverse cinematic offering included works from Egypt, Iraq, Syria, the Sultanate of Oman, Sudan, and Algeria, forming a rich tapestry of Arab cinema.
The closing gala, hosted at Eurooppa Sali within the European Union’s Finnish headquarters, celebrated the artistic achievements with the inaugural HelAFF awards. Amana Wali, a talented Syrian actress, received the best actress accolade for her poignant performance in “Temporary Darkness”, which also secured the prestigious best film award. The best actor award was presented to Mr. Raed Mohsen from Iraq for his compelling role in “Last Postmen”, while Samar El-Hendawi earned the title of best director for her acclaimed film “Re-mote El-Television”. Additionally, the best short film award went to Osama Al-Kazzaz for his work “I Hoped” from Egypt.
In his closing remarks, HelAFF President Mr. Azer Sawiris expressed sincere gratitude to the festival team and all who contributed to its success. He announced that the 2nd edition of HelAFF is slated for 8 September 2025 at the Korjaamo cultural centre in Helsinki, promising an expanded programme featuring feature films, shorts, documentaries, and student projects.
Risto Vahanen, a prominent Finnish entrepreneur and HelAFF sponsor, joined the closing ceremony via video conference from Spain. He underscored the significance of such events in cultivating a peaceful world through understanding and cultural exchange.
The festival’s film screenings were hosted at the Kinapori Centre, a hub for Helsinki City services, attracting an impressive and diverse audience of both Arabic speakers and Finnish attendees. Post-screening discussions provided a platform for attendees to delve into crucial topics such as psychological health, the impacts of war, and the rich cinematic histories of Egypt and Iraq, fostering a vibrant dialogue that resonated well beyond the festival.
As HelAFF looks forward to its future editions, the call for support echoes loudly, affirming the festival's crucial role in bridging cultures and enriching the Finnish cultural landscape.
