Saimaa Film Festival Presents Its First-Ever Film Awards
PRESS RELEASE
Imatra, Finland – 16 August 2026
Saimaa Film Festival presented film awards for the first time on 16 August 2026. The awards were granted based on the Finnish Short Film Competition and selections made by the festival’s Artistic Director. The awards aim to highlight outstanding cinematic artistry, original perspectives, and emerging talent.
Best Finnish Short Film
YES (KYLLÄ)
Director: Katja Reponen
Jury Statement:
“Cracks in a friendship surface during a road trip triggered by an escalation challenge. The actors shine in this found-footage thriller, which retains a strong documentary feel. The screenplay is effective, and the rough-edged, nostalgic execution is both charming and memorable.”
Honorary Mentions
SWIMMING HALL (UIMAHALLI)
Directors: Anni Suikkanen & Toni Kristian Tikkanen
“A documentary that becomes much more than a simple account of a swimming hall’s history. The film revives forgotten experiences of being in the water and successfully conveys the spirit and significance of the swimming hall. This love letter and passionate defense of Imatra’s swimming hall presents its subject through particularly beautiful and inventive cinematography.”
MEMORIAL WRITING / ISLANDERS (MUISTOKIRJOITUS / SAARELAISET)
Director: Matleena Jänis
“A work exploring one family’s history and summer cottage traditions expands into a universal memorial not only to departed loved ones, but also to the Finnish summer and cottage culture. The film’s three-channel format and botanical animations powerfully support a subject where layers of time intertwine.”
HAMMOCK (RIIPPUMATTO)
Director: Satu-Lotta Rannisto
“With a sympathetic screenplay and excellent performances, the film reminds us of the importance of nearby nature through a positive and uplifting approach. Audiences can easily empathize with the rapidly developing romance, portrayed with authenticity and sensitivity.”
SHIFTING
Director: Oona Tiirakari
“This touching animation about homesickness and finding one’s place resonates with both adult and younger audiences. The communication of moods and spaces through animation and sound design is particularly successful.”
WORKLOAD (TYÖTAAKKA)
Director: Aatos Äijö
“A visually outstanding film that clearly reflects the director’s artistic vision. The story unfolds seamlessly without dialogue, and the final scene elegantly brings the entire work together.”
Competition Jury
The films in the Finnish Short Film Competition were evaluated by an expert jury consisting of:
- Erkki Peltomaa, cinematographer and long-time film industry professional
- Tuukka Teponoja, visual artist, comic artist, and Chair of Elokuvakerho Pennittömät
- Tuulia Kettunen, Bachelor of Finnish Literature and student of Art Education
- Aleksi Vettenranta, film student
The jury noted that the competition featured a broad selection of high-quality fiction and documentary films. The awarded works stood out through their originality, emotional impact, and artistic excellence.
Artistic Director’s Awards
The festival’s Artistic Director also presented two special awards to international films.
Best Visual Concept
FROM ORION WITH LOVE
Director: Rafig Hajiyev (Azerbaijan, 2026)
The award was presented for the film’s original visual world and strong artistic vision.
Best Short Film
CHARLIE IS NOT A BOY
Director: Pol Kurucz (USA, 2026)
The award was presented for its compelling storytelling, strong cinematic expression, and overall achievement.
Final Festival Screenings
The festival’s final four screenings will take place on 29 August at Ruokolahti Harbour. Audiences will also have the opportunity to see MEMORIAL WRITING / ISLANDERS by Matleena Jänis, one of the festival’s honorary mention recipients.
Building an International Meeting Place for Cinema
Saimaa Film Festival extends its gratitude to all participating filmmakers, partners, audiences, and volunteers. The introduction of the festival’s first awards and the industry event held on 12 August strengthen the festival’s ambition to serve as an international meeting place for new films, filmmakers, and audiences.
Between 11 and 16 August, Saimaa Film Festival welcomed a total of 73 film professionals to Imatra and the wider South Karelia region. Participants came from Azerbaijan, Canada, England, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Japan, Norway, Poland, Spain, the United States, Uzbekistan, and Austria, while the overall diversity of nationalities represented was even broader. The accommodation impact generated by visiting filmmakers amounted to at least 250 overnight stays.
Saimaa Film Festival has been implemented primarily as a development project supported by Kärki Leader and Leader Länsi-Saimaa.
Further Information
Festival programme: https://saimaafilmfestival.com/alustava-ohjelma-muutokset-mahdollisia/
Website: www.saimaafilmfestival.com