PRESS RELEASE – For Immediate Release
Films by the water and in the shelter of fortresses – Saimaa Film Festival, August 20–24, 2025
The inaugural Saimaa Film Festival invites lovers of cinema to the heart of South Karelia’s most beautiful nature and historical cultural landscapes. Over five days, August 20.–24. 2025, film will not only be seen, but will blend seamlessly with the national landscape, flowing through the viewer and captivating them with its primal power.
The festival’s screening locations are as unique as the films themselves:
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On the Ukonniemi beach in Imatra, audiences will dive into the fascinating world of international short films.
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At the Taavetti Fortress in Luumäki, powerful creations by Estonian filmmakers will be shown.
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The rushing waters of the Hiitola River in Rautjärvi will provide a backdrop to Flow, an Oscar-winning animated film for the whole family.
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And at the Imatra Summer Theater, under the tender embrace of a fading summer night, Pirjo Honkasalo’s striking film Orenda will be screened!
Expect dozens of films in a wide variety of truly exceptional venues!
Additional atmospheric screenings will take place at: Rasila harbor in Ruokolahti, Lappeenranta Fortress, Bio Vuoksi cinema in Imatra, cultural venue Nuijamies in Lappeenranta, the festival club at Imatra’s Koskenpartaankatu (Koksenparras 5), where the cinematic experience continues through discussions, encounters, and shared moments.
Confirmed guests include: Mark Lwoff, producer at Buffo Films; Ivo Felt, head of Estonian studio Allfilm; Tambet Tasuja, film editor and member of the Oscar Academy, filmmakers originally from Imatra – Hannu Peltomaa, Eki Peltomaa, and Arttu Peltomaa.
The festival's opening event will take place on Imatra’s Koskenpartaankatu pedestrian street with screenings of Aki Kaurismäki’s Fallen Leaves and Calamari Union.
At Bio Vuoksi cinema, a late-night program will include The Year of the Hare, Ballad of Salli, and Guled & Nasra.
In addition to Finland, films will come from at least Estonia, Latvia, Austria, France, Poland, Germany, the USA, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, Lebanon, Egypt, the Philippines, and Cambodia. The festival's Artistic Director is Kamran Shahmardan.
The program will continue to grow until festival week.
The current program will be published by Monday.
Festival program link (gradually updated):
https://saimaafilmfestival.com/ohjelma/
Interview Requests:
JP Natunen (Producer): +358 40 7460773, jp@fincrea.fi
Katri Lätt (Chair): +358 40 5588411, katri.latt@gmail.com
Organized by: Mustan ja Valkoisen Teatteri-yhdistys ry (The Black and White Theatre Association)