The prizes of the 14th Finnish Film Affair were handed out September 26 with two doc projects successful across two categories.
This year, FFA featured 44 projects in total, with five fiction films in progress and nine in development, nine documentary projects, six series as well as the 10 unique F-Weird projects across genres and formats. The Nordic Selection showcased five projects from all Nordic countries. The 14th FFA closes September 26.
THE BEST DOCUMENTARY PROJECT
The Best Documentary Project award went to Sense and Sensibility by Hanna Nordenswan), receiving €3000 from the City of Helsinki.
Produced by Hannu-Pekka Vitikainen of f Zone2 Pictures Oy, Sense and Sensibility film tells the story of a unique mother-daughter relationship at a cemetery, where Carita works as the cremator and her daughter Christa as the undertaker. As the seasons change, a story of letting go unfolds. The film is scheduled for an Autumn 2026 delivery.
The documentary jury, consisting of Katre Kajamäe-Gupta (Eurimages), Jason Ryle, (Toronto International Film Festival), and Natalie Campbell-Reid (Together Films), said: “The project stood out for its deeply human yet extraordinary theme. With a clear vision, the director presents a mother–daughter story that is highly relatable and could resonate across borders. The project promises to portray death as a natural part of life, leveraging a comedic tone at parts and strong stylistic choices from the director. We are eager to see it reach audiences on international screens.”
BEST F-WEIRD PROJECT
The prize for Best F-Weird Project was given to Boobs by Milla Puolakanaho and Juha Ilmari Laine), receiving €2500 that will go towards the project’s international marketing, as well as €2500 worth of production services, sponsored by Post Control Helsinki & Angel Films.
Boobs is a short animated documentary exploring the evolving meaning of breasts through Milla’s life – from childhood to motherhood. With humour and tenderness, it reflects on body image, identity, and acceptance, highlighting how society, others, and ourselves shape our views on the body. Produced by Animagency Oy, the film is slated for Summer 2026 delivery
The jury said: “A body part that has been so often objectified in films is finally given the real role it occupies throughout the life of a woman. The jury was impressed how this personal story is brought to the screen with beautiful and poetic animation. We are convinced this film will go very far and will touch audiences all around the world. And we are convinced that the services provided through this award will help finalise the film.”
The F-Weird jury comprised Javier Puerto Garcia (PÖFF Rebels With a Cause), Maria Sol (Moving People & Images resident 2024), and Mathias Noschis (Alphapanda). Noschis replaced Claire Willats who was unfortunately unable to attend the event.
