Established in 1988, the Helsinki International Film Festival – Love & Anarchy is one of Finland’s most significant cultural events and the country’s biggest film festival. Taking place every September over 11 days in Helsinki, it features a broad mix of films—from innovative fiction to documentaries and shorts—showcasing both established international auteurs and emerging talents. The festival is known for its adventurous programming that once emphasized Asian cinema but now embraces global cinema, aiming to present films that challenge, inspire, and captivate audiences. Over the years, it has grown significantly, expanding from a small event with two screens to a major festival with 18 venues and tens of thousands of visitors annually.

The festival also hosts a national competition for Finnish short films and invites notable filmmakers to engage with audiences and industry professionals. Backed by the Finnish Film Foundation, the City of Helsinki, and the EU’s Creative Europe MEDIA program, this festival plays a key role in supporting cinematic art, cultural diversity, and the growth of the Nordic and international film scene.

more details: https://hiff.fi/