Espoo Ciné is a showcase of modern European cinema that aims to introduce local audiences to films that demonstrate the variety of European filmmaking. The festival lays an emphasis on artistic quality, discovery and new talent. Showcasing a diverse selection of films, it attracts about 25,000 attendees each year.
During the 10-day festival, cinema lovers can attend film screenings at several venues. The program of Espoo Ciné includes experimental films, art films, works by emerging filmmakers and films otherwise unavailable on Finnish screens. There are special programs and screenings that focus on particular themes or regions. For example, past editions of the festival have featured programs focusing on Latin and French cinema. Espoo Ciné also presents a Pink Zone series showcasing LGBT films, nighttime screenings, retrospectives, and more.
Along with film screenings, the program of Espoo Ciné includes panels featuring actors, filmmakers and other film professionals, discussions, special events for children and youth, outdoor screenings, and other events and activities designed to create a unique experience for all attendees, film lovers and professionals alike.
Espoo Ciné International Film Festival used to be a member of the European Fantastic Film Festivals Federation, although it was never fully focused on genre films. In 2006 two films screened at Espoo Ciné, Adam’s Apples by Anders Thomas Jensen and Starfly by Beryl Koltz, were awarded the EFFFF’s annual Méliès d’Or award for the Best European Fantastic Feature Film and the Best European Fantastic Short Film, respectively.
Previously held in August, the festival was moved to May for its 2017 edition.
Photo: espoocine.fi
