Discussions

Sinun Ciné Idea Competition & Panel Discussion

Friday, August 22 at 12:30 PM | Kino Tapiola

As part of the Sinun Ciné final day, a public panel discussion featuring film and TV industry professionals will explore funding in the field and the challenges it presents. The panelists will dive into current issues in the industry, such as how creators should navigate these difficult times and what kinds of changes are hoped for. The panel includes producer Anita Hyppönen, director-screenwriter Reetta Aalto, filmmaker Samppa Batal, and Ulla Simonen, director of AVEK. The discussion will be moderated by filmmaker Zagros Manuchar. More information about the Sinun Ciné Idea Competition can be found here.

The panel discussion is organised in collaboration with SELO.

Language: English

Nordic Films Right Now

Sunday, 24 Aug, 16:30 | Kino Tapiola

Discussion with actors David Dencik (Beginnings) and Tayo Cittadella Jacobsen (Love), as well as director Jeannette Nordahl (Beginnings).

Nordic cooperation is more relevant than ever, also in film industry and other areas of culture. What does the development and future of Nordic cinema look like right now? Where are we succeeding, and what could we learn from each other? Nordic guests at Espoo Ciné will explore the current state of Nordic cinema — its outlook, challenges, and opportunities.

In collaboration with the Finnish-Norwegian Cultural Foundation & the Finnish-Danish Cultural Foundation.

Language: English – More information coming soon!

Perfect Strangers: The Meaning of Secrets to Humans

Sunday, 24 Aug, 17:30 | Kino Tapiola terrace

In Rike Jokela’s film Perfect Strangers, a close-knit group of seven friends gathers for dinner and decides to play a seemingly harmless party game called “No Secrets.” As the evening unfolds, the game takes a tense turn, unraveling both their own and each other’s fragile façades — and the secrets hidden behind them. After the screening, psychoanalyst Anna Collander will discuss the role of secrets in human relationships and their impact on the mind. She will be interviewed by Pekka Strang, one of the actors in the ensemble of the film. The discussion will be held in Finnish.

In collaboration with Nordisk Film.

How Do Young People Enjoy Films?

Tuesday, 26 Aug, 15:00 | Kino Tapiola terrace

Held in connection with the opening day of the Junior Ciné children and youth film festival, this panel discussion explores children's and young people's relationship with cinema and their viewing habits. What kind of films do European youths watch, and what draws today’s young audiences to the screen? The Junior Ciné discussion focuses on youth cinema and offers fresh perspectives on young people's tastes and habits, backed by recent research.
The event will also delve into why children should watch horror films, and how Yle selects the most popular content for kids and teens.

The discussion features university researcher Kaisa Hiltunen (University of Jyväskylä, REBOOT project), KAVI’s Deputy Director Marjo Kovanen, Assistant Professor Tuuli Lähdesmäki (University of Jyväskylä, REBOOT project), and YLE Drama Producer Elina Pohjola. The discussion will be moderated by film educator and Director of Kokkolan Kinojuhlat, Kaisa Kukkola.

Language: Finnish

Espoo Ciné 2025 Award: Teemu Nikki

Wednesday, 27 Aug, 17:00 | Kino Tapiola terrace

Teemu Nikki, recipient of the 2025 Espoo Ciné Award, is known for films that are distinctly Finnish — yet resonate in a rare way with international audiences. What is the secret behind his success in telling “glocal” stories that bridge the local and the universal? This artist talk explores Nikki’s body of work and creative voice within both Finnish and European cinema. The talk follows the screening of his films A Mate, Fantasy, and 100 Litres of Gold. The interview is moderated by Otto Suuronen, advisor in international promotion of short films at the Finnish Film Foundation. The discussion will be held in Finnish.

Finnish Filmmakers in Spain

Saturday, 30 Aug, 17:00 | Kino Tapiola terrace

This year, the programme of Espoo Ciné includes films by Finnish directors that take viewers to Spain — both in setting and in spirit. Director Jarmo Lampela (Don Quijote de Barcelona) and Rax Rinnekangas (Jukebox, Journey to Eden) share insights into the background and production of their Spain-based films. The discussion is moderated by film critic and Espoo Ciné’s Communications Planner, Sakri Pölönen. The discussion will be held in Finnish.