Pauliina Ståhlberg starts as Executive Director of Helsinki International Film Festival – Love & Anarchy, the biggest and boldest film festival in Finland. Ståhlberg will take up her position on the 1st of January 2025 and brings with her an extensive international experience in the cultural and film sector.
Pauliina Ståhlberg has a long career in the cultural and media sector, having held significant international positions exporting and promoting Finnish culture and film. Ståhlberg has served as the Director of The Finnish Institute in the UK and Ireland, the head of communications and fundraising at the National Gallery Ateneum, and has built a career in media as a producer and journalist, particularly in the Finnish Broadcasting Company´s cultural and factual programming. She is probably best known for producing the Nordic Noir crime series Deadwind (Karppi) which is a global hit on Netflix. From 2021 to 2024, Ståhlberg served as the Director of the Finnish Institute in Madrid.
Pauliina Ståhlberg is delighted: “I am thrilled to join the Helsinki International Film Festival team, film is such a democratic and accessible form of culture. I aim to expand the festival’s international collaborations, and partnerships with gaming and new technologies while offering more diverse experiences for audiences and professional filmmakers alike. I am committed to highlighting the societal role and significance of film culture in today´s political climate.”
In addition to the annual Love & Anarchy Festival, the organization runs the film education initiative Pulpettikino, the international industry event Finnish Film Affair as well as the Söderlångvik Masterclass. “With Pauliina’s extensive and international experience, we aim to further develop the association’s global impact and year-round activities,” notes Pekka Lanerva, the festival’s Artistic Director and a member of the association’s board.
Kaisa Näreranta, who has served as the association’s Executive Director, will end her term on the 30th of November, 2024. “This year’s Love & Anarchy festival was a great success, and the association’s finances have been stabilized following the challenges of the pandemic years. I warmly welcome Pauliina Ståhlberg!” Näreranta says with enthusiasm.
Helsinki International Film Festival – Rakkautta & Anarkiaa is an annual film festival held in September, bringing top-tier films from around the world to Helsinki. Known for its bold, innovative, and diverse programming, Love & Anarchy showcases both international festival hits and new films from emerging talents. In 2024, the festival attracted over 55,000 attendees to its screenings and side events, marking the best result for a Finnish film festival since the pandemic.
More information:
Artistic Director, Pekka Lanerva
040 532 6204
Pauliina Ståhlberg, Executive Director
040 094 5211
Helsinki International Film Festival – Rakkautta & Anarkiaa
Instagram: @helsinkifilmfestival
Facebook: @helsinkifilmfestival