Finnish Film Affair: A new era under Alisha Hasan’s leadership
A fresh perspective for Finnish Film Affair
Alisha Hasan, the newly appointed head of Finnish Film Affair (FFA), is bringing a wave of innovation and a global outlook to the annual industry event, which runs alongside the Helsinki International Film Festival. Hasan, who took on the role in April, previously led marketing at Finnish animation studio Gutsy Animations and has a rich background in production and marketing within the gaming industry.
A diverse background shaping a unique vision
Hasan’s international experience spans London, Malta, and New York, where she interned at a renowned film distribution company. Her eclectic background is set to expand FFA beyond its Nordic roots while preserving its esteemed reputation. This year’s event will emphasize AI, gaming, transmedia, and alternative film financing, areas where Hasan has previously excelled.
“One main strategy was definitely to start branding Finnish Film Affair slightly differently to what everyone else in the film market space is doing. We want to be the frontrunner in starting new initiatives — some initiatives that are rare or have not been done before,” Hasan shares.
Embracing transmedia and innovation
Transmedia is relatively new in Scandinavia, and Hasan sees it as a stepping stone towards the future. Her first FFA is a series of prototypes, continuously evolving like a product. The event gathers international and national attendees for three days of curated sessions, including panels, workshops, and keynotes, focusing on the industry’s most pressing topics. It also features pitching sessions for works in development and progress from the host nation and the Nordic region.
A marathon, not a sprint
Hasan acknowledges that change won’t happen overnight. “I’m not expecting everything to change during one year,” she admits. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
Why now?
Hasan saw immense potential in FFA and felt her diverse experiences could contribute significantly. Having attended the event multiple times, she recognized its potential from an international perspective. She aims to instill a sense of bravery in participants, encouraging them to embrace new ideas and acknowledge that it’s okay not to know everything but to be there to learn.
Lessons from the gaming industry
Hasan’s experience in the gaming industry taught her the value of doing things differently and being open to new funding methods. This openness to experimentation and creativity is something she brings to FFA, aiming to break away from traditional funding cycles and structures.
Bridging film and gaming industries
One of Hasan’s new initiatives is a matchmaking session that pairs representatives from the film and gaming industries. The goal is to create spaces where these industries can communicate and understand each other’s platforms and products, leading to co-productions and IP development.
“There needs to be space for trying new things. I want to bring about this attitude that it’s better to try than not do it at all,” Hasan explains.
Introducing Finnish Weird
Finnish Weird is a new pitching session inspired by feedback from previous years. It aims to provide a platform for up-and-coming filmmakers with unique and unconventional projects. Hasan wants to make Helsinki a hub for these amazing, unique ideas that can’t be found anywhere else.
“We wanted to be very inclusive. We wanted to just say ‘welcome’ to the people who are maybe on the sidelines of the industry, some people who don’t just make Nordic thrillers, who don’t write crime series, just because they know channels will buy them.”
Expanding international connections
Hasan plans to bring more international connections to Finland and introduce new perspectives. While FFA has been successful as a boutique event with a family-like atmosphere, the aim is to grow and become more international. Finnish Weird is one initiative, but there are other unique and niche ideas in the pipeline.
Looking ahead
Hasan envisions FFA as a safe space to discuss various industry challenges without judgment. Whether it’s about job market skills, funding models, or other taboos, FFA aims to provide a forum for open dialogue. In these challenging times, it’s crucial to foster creative thinking and openness.
“Whatever new initiatives we have at Finnish Film Affair, now is actually the optimal time to launch them, because people have to be more open. FFA is a safe space to talk about everything.”
Explore more
For more information on the Finnish Film Affair and to stay updated on the latest initiatives, visit the Finnish Film Affair website.
This article reflects a personal perspective on the evolving landscape of the Finnish Film Affair under Alisha Hasan’s leadership, highlighting the event’s innovative direction and the potential for future growth.