The winners of the R&A Shorts National Competition were awarded at the festival on Thursday, September 26. The winning films will be screened at the festival one more time on Saturday, September 28.
30 films competed in the R&A Shorts National Competition at Love & Anarchy this year. The films were presented at the festival in five screening selections. The jury and the audience selected their favourites, which were awarded in an awards ceremony in the Bio Rex Festival Centre.
This year’s jury included actress Saara Kotkaniemi, last year’s public vote winner Fabian Munsterhjelm, and filmmaker Ima Iduozee. Filmmaker Erol Mintas acted as an advisor for the jury in the Moving People and Images award, given to a filmmaker who highlights diversity and inclusivity in their work.
The R&A Shorts Award went to Elina Talvensaari’s documentary How to Please. The Jury commented on their selection: “Every aspect of this unique piece has been precisely considered and skilfully executed. The film tells a touching story of the perseverance, willpower and dreams of the main character. The film reveals Finland’s problematic and racist immigration system, which the protagonist refuses to get stuck in.” The value of the award sponsored by SET ry is 1500 €.
The New Wave award winner was Iivo Korhonen’s Morning Has Broken, Yet It is Night. The Jury commented, “The film’s visual storytelling is innovative, beautiful and at times even frightening. This portrayal of an artist manages to open universal questions of loss, success and acceptance of the past.” Sponsored by the Finnish Film Foundation, the New Wave Award (1500€) is given to a new talent whose short film represents the bright tomorrow of Finnish film.
The Moving People and Images Award went to Kardo Shiwan’s film Fur Fur. “Intimate and personal, the film tells a beautiful little story of love between family members and the holding on to memories. The jury hopes that this award will encourage the filmmaker to strengthen his voice, as we see a lot of potential in him,” the Jury described their choice. The award, sponsored by the Finnish Film Foundation and AVEK, is worth 1000 €.
Juho Reinikainen’s Je m’appelle Mariia was awarded as Best Student Film. ”This touching film portrays the warm relationship between mother and daughter and the inevitable moment when child and parent part ways. In an extraordinary way, the filmmaker succeeds in creating an intimate relationship with his protagonists. This sensitive and mature film promises a bright career for this young filmmaker,” the Jury said of the film. The award is an accreditation to the Love & Anarchy festival and Finnish Film Affair industry event in 2025.
The Jury also gave a Special Mention to Iiti Yli-Harja’s I Smell a Mouse. “The playful and absurd storytelling and innovative language of the film delighted the jury and made it stand out from the rest. This animated film, which combines documentary and fiction, is a wonderful exploration of new beginnings, angst and falling in love,” the Jury said of Yli-Harja’s animated documentary.
The festival audience selected Mia Halme’s Fabulous Cow Ladies as their favourite film. The film is awarded with a 1000 € Kinos Rentals giftcard.
All the winning films will be screened at the festival once more on Saturday, September 28. Tickets to the screening are on sale now.