SAIMAA FILM FESTIVAL 2026
International Seminar Brought Together Filmmakers and Audiences in Imatra on 12 August
12 August 2026 | International Film Industry Event Open to Everyone
An international seminar was held on 12 August as part of the Saimaa Film Festival, bringing an inspiring group of film industry professionals from around the world to South Karelia. Throughout the day, filmmakers, cultural professionals, students, local residents, and film enthusiasts came together.
The seminar welcomed experts from Finland, the United Kingdom, Canada, Azerbaijan, Japan, Uzbekistan, and Estonia. The international event was open to everyone, with the aim of making current issues in cinema, professional experiences, and international discussions accessible to a broad audience.
The day's programme explored independent cinema, screenwriting, cinematography, editing, and international co-productions. Discussions also focused on how local stories can reach international audiences and what opportunities new collaborative networks can offer filmmakers.
The seminar's speakers, filmmakers and experts included Ayman Alhussein, Michel Cordey, Rafig Hajiyev, Ema Koike, Jussi Konttinen, Otto Kylmälä, Panu Kärri, Boris Litovchenko, Erol Mintaş, Genki Takigawa, and Tambet Tasuja.
Could South Karelia Become a Hub for International Film Production?
One of the seminar's central themes was the future of South Karelia as a location and operating environment for film and audiovisual productions.
A workshop focusing on international co-productions explored the region's strengths, opportunities, and development needs. Discussions raised the question of how South Karelia could attract international film productions in the future, strengthen local expertise, and create new opportunities for collaboration.
Cinema Belongs to Everyone
For Saimaa Film Festival, it is important that discussions about cinema are not limited to encounters between industry professionals. This is why the international seminar was organised as an event open to everyone.
It was particularly encouraging to see participants of different ages and backgrounds taking part. The shared discussions, new perspectives, and encounters once again demonstrated how cinema can bring people together across linguistic, cultural, and national boundaries.
Saimaa Film Festival aims to build bridges between local stories and the international world of cinema. Our goal is to create new collaborative networks, strengthen the region's film culture, and open up opportunities for the filmmakers of the future.
A heartfelt thank you to all the speakers, panellists, participants, and partners for an inspiring day!
🎥 Video highlights from the event:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hT1KEHCqhw
📸 Photo: International panel discussion at Saimaa Film Festival 2026 on 12 August 2026.
From left to right: Ayman Alhussein, Ema Koike, Ganki Takigawa, Rafig Hajiev, Erol Mintaş, Michel Cordey, and Otto Kylmälä.
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