Espoo Ciné Festival celebrates the art of film

Espoo Ciné, one of Finland’s premier film festivals, has long been known for its focus on European cinema. This year continues that tradition with a lineup of major films from the old continent while also introducing fresh elements, including a film series from Japan. Film enthusiasts can look forward to a diverse array of cinematic experiences.
“The film industry is alive and well, and new films are released all the time. Even though I often plan to focus on a specific theme, I usually abandon my plans as the films that come out don’t fit the theme at all”, Suominen says, laughing.
“Instead of finding what I’m looking for, I discover all kinds of gems that I want the audience to see. Usually, the films that speak to us end up in the festival programme. 
“Sometimes the films selected for the festival deal with similar themes, which means that the themes emerge from the films and not vice versa,” Suominen explains.

Espoo Ciné mainly features European films and premieres that have not yet been seen in Finland. Going forward, the plan is to show a wider variety of films, including large Hollywood productions. The festival also wants to highlight and promote diversity in films and filmmaking.
“As early as the 1990s, we made a decision to show films about sexual minorities, which was unconventional at the time. From the outset, we aimed to highlight the diverse range of people, experiences and stories in the world,” Suominen says.
“We now also have a section for films about the lives of people with disabilities called Crip Ciné,” he adds.

Suominen is excited about this year’s programme. The opening film is the directorial debut of Italian Paola Cortelles There’s Still Tomorrow (C’è ancora domani), one of last year’s big film events.
“In Italy, C’è Ancora domani was more popular than such megahits as Barbie and Oppenheimer. Everyone has been talking about it since last autumn, and we are thrilled that it is our opening film,” says an enthusiastic Suominen.
“We are equally excited about the series of Japanese films that people may not have expected to see here. As a fan of Japanese culture, I’m interested in seeing how European audiences react to them. Whether the language of film is universal or whether viewers find any cultural differences,” Suominen says.

The festival week also includes plenty of film-related activities. Junior Ciné, held alongside the main festival, offers free film screenings for schoolchildren and pre-primary pupils. 
“Junior Ciné is part of the City of Espoo’s Culture Path, focusing especially on young people. We want to raise a new generation of film enthusiasts,” says Suominen.
Many filmmakers will also attend the festival to talk about their films. Other activities include: Your Ciné idea competition for young filmmakers, and Poster Ciné film poster competition.

 

Does Suominen’s life revolve entirely around films, or does he also have time for other cultural activities?
“Sure, especially in the winter, in between festival seasons, I also have time for other activities. My wife is a former dancer, so we attend many concerts and dance performances. I also enjoy visual arts and have been somewhat of a bibliophile since I was a child, so I always have a few books on the go,” Suominen says.
As culture tips for August, Suominen naturally recommends Espoo Ciné, but also Hello Kitty and Dead Elvis.

Morning feeding of sheep (every day 11:00–11:30, Pentala Archipelago Museum)
“Animal lovers cannot miss this!”

Experiments in Concretism (until 2 March 2025, EMMA – Espoo Museum of Modern Art)
“I have actually seen this exhibition at the EMMA Museum twice, but I could easily see it again. A playful and insightful exhibition, which left me happy that we have such an amazing museum in Espoo.”

Your Friend, Hello Kitty exhibition (until 27 October 2024 at Leikki – the Museum of Play)(external link, opens in a new window)

Leikki – the Museum of Play is one of our cooperation partners, and they have an adorable exhibition on Hello Kitty, who turns 50 this year. Kawaii!”

Kalevi Helvetti: Dead Elvis – Always on my mind! (15 August–30 September 2024, Kannusali)
“An interesting exhibition featuring works from one of my favourites, Kalevi Helvetti, the alter ego of Pertti Kurikka. The exhibition is co-produced by Outsider Art Festival and Kannusali: “The music plays and the songs live on even though death claims us all!”

Cinema Crossroads: Screening of the film The Journey followed by a discussion (15 August 2024, 18:00–20:40, Kannusali)
“The essence of this film screening lies in the transcultural power of cinema. The discussion event following the screening of Mohammed Al-Daradji’s film highlights how a movie truly comes to life when people discuss it, sharing their diverse views and perspectives.”

Espoo Ciné International Film Festival, 23 August to 1 September 2024, espoocine.fi(external link, opens in a new window)

For all KulttuuriEspoo events, visit kulttuuriespoo.fi/tapahtumat