A joint initiative by Föreningen Konstsamfundet and Helsinki International Film Festival, the Söderlångvik Masterclass will take place from 3–5 May. Hosted by actor Alma Pöysti, the weekend-long residency brings together 12 skilled actors and directors from the Nordic region.
Established by cultural patron Amos Anderson in 1940, Föreningen Konstsamfundet supports and promotes arts and different fields of culture. Embracing Anderson’s passion for cinema, the residency will be held in his scenic Söderlångvik manor, located on the picturesque Kimito Island.
The residency promises an inspiring and intimate setup for participants to engage in collaborative dialogue, allowing them to share their unique perspectives and providing space for new insights. Pöysti’s guidance will focus on nurturing creativity through the exchange between acting and directing, fostering potential future Nordic collaborations.
Six actors and six directors were chosen after a thorough selection process involving over 100 applications, securing representation of each Nordic country in the final group. The selection emphasised participants’ interest in Nordic collaboration and focused on assembling a group of professionals at different stages of their careers. This diversity enriches the masterclass, providing an invaluable opportunity to learn from and collaborate with the region’s cinematic talent.
Participants for the masterclass are:
Actors
Edvin Endre (Sweden)
Josefin Neldén (Sweden)
Kingsford Siayor (Norway)
Linnea Leino (Finland)
Ragga Ragnars (Iceland)
Roderick Kabanga (Finland)
Directors
Elisa Kujala (Sweden)
Elfar Adalsteins (Iceland)
Kaya Pakaslahti (Finland)
Nitesh Anjaan (Denmark)
Marja Pyykkö (Finland)
Samuel Boateng (Finland)
On Sunday, the public is invited to a conversation between Alma Pöysti and Swedish cinematographer Linda Wassberg at Bio Rex Lasipalatsi in Helsinki at 18:00. Having worked together on Zaida Bergroth’s Tove (2020), Wassberg and Pöysti will engage in a dialogue that touches on the masterclass’ main theme: the multidisciplinary approaches in a film set. The pair will expand on their working relationship, exploring their dynamics as cinematographer and actor. To accompany the discussion, the acclaimed film Tove will be screened before the conversation.
The press and media can request brief interviews with Alma Pöysti, Linda Wassberg, or any participant from the masterclass. Interviews will be arranged on Sunday 5th of May at Bio Rex Lasipalatsi premises between 16:00-17:00.
Information about the masterclass program can be found here. Tickets for the event can be bought here.
For more information:
Annu Suvanto
Söderlångvik Masterclass Producer
annu@hiff.fi
+358 50 364 3683
For interview requests:
Lois Armas
Söderlångvik Masterclass Publicist
lois@hiff.fi
+358 44 525 0887