The 38th Helsinki International Film Festival – Love & Anarchy will kick off with two sold-out screenings of Cannes-winner Sentimental Value. One of the founding figures of the festival, Pekka Lanerva, will introduce the eagerly-awaited screenings for the final time in the role of Artistic Director of the festival. Head of Programme Outi Rehn will take over the lead responsibility of curating the festival’s diverse programme. On the final Saturday of the festival, audiences will be treated to the Finnish premiere of the latest film by one of Lanerva’s favourite filmmakers, in the Finnish Surprise Gala.
Pekka Lanerva, who has provided Love & Anarchy with nearly four decades of cinematic knowledge, expertise and wide-ranging networks, has stepped down from operational duties within the festival organization and is now enjoying well-earned retirement. From now on, programme selections as well as film introductions, interviews and opening speeches during the festival will be handled by Head of Programme Out Rehn, who has already taken over the main duties of curating the programme and managing the programme team.
“Pekka is not only a respected voice within the film industry, but also a dear and beloved colleague whose gradual retreat from the main stage into the wings means a great shift for our entire organization. Thankfully for us, he is not going away completely, but will stay as a part of our team as an artistic advisor”, says executive director Pauliina Ståhlberg.
“We founded Love & Anarchy with the purpose of celebrating cinema and introducing our audiences to brave, boundary-pushing and visually dazzling films and their makers. In addition to the great masters, we have wanted to shine a light on more unknown, fascinating and unique filmmakers, such as Lina Wertmüller (Love and Anarchy, 1973), who gave the festival its name and whose work is included in the programme again this year, Takashi Miike, Hayao Miyazaki, Kelly Reichardt, the director The Mastermind, of one of the most popular films in our lineup this year, as well as past guests at the festival John Woo and Spike Lee”, Lanerva recounts.
This organizational change within Finland’s biggest film event is not an overnight upheaval, but the process has been unfolding over the past few years. Lanerva will remain a part of the festival’s artistic team as an advisor, so his film selections will continue to be seen at the festival in the future.
“The process of curating the programme has never been a one-person operation, but a real team effort”, Lanerva and Rehn emphasise. “The programme team, the Love & Anarchy-ministry who operate in the background, as well as several experts and collaborators work to ensure that the programme is diverse and speaks to the moment”, Rehn explains. “An example of the timeliness of the lineup is this year’s Free Palestine-selection with its powerful and moving films. Our goal of diversity is reflected in the fact that out of all the films in this year’s programme, 48% are not directed by men.”
Rehn has chosen the title of Head of Programme. “It’s time to let go of the model of the artistic director at this festival, and modify my title to better reflect what my job entails, which is managing the programme team. Our team goes through hundreds of films every year, out of which around 130 feature-length films and 120 short films are finally presented to the audience”, Rehn summarises, adding: “I can promise that AI will not be involved in the process of curating the Love & Anarchy programme.”
Love & Anarchy is Pekka Lanerva’s and the other founding members’ life’s work. “The 38 years I have spent with this cherished project have created many unforgettable, crazy and hilarious memories. The festival, which has become Finland’s biggest cinematic event, will now be steered by a new generation, who share the passion which lead us, once fiery youths, to first found this festival”, Lanerva says and continues: “Outi has worked with this festival for 16 years and knows the operation like the back of her hand. I’m making room for my successors with peace of mind, knowing that in the hands of Outi and the team, the festival will live and thrive – now and in the future.”
On the final Saturday of the festival, the Finnish Surprise Gala will celebrate the Finnish premiere of the new film by one of Lanerva’s favourite directors, introduced by the filmmaker themselves. “The first short film I saw from this incredible talent already swept me off my feet and the film easily justified its place in the festival programme. We have proudly followed the fantastic career of this director, and it is absolutely wonderful to get to present the Finnish premiere of their new film – presented by the director themselves”, Lanerva says.
Another exciting addition to the festival programme is the American indie comedy Splitsville, starring Dakota Johnson. The feel-good modern screwball comedy combines fast-paced situations, zany mishaps, and just the right touch of light romance. Tickets to the last-minute additions are on sale now. The rerun screenings of popular films will be announced on the second festival week.
Helsinki International Film Festival – Love & Anarchy in Helsinki from 18.–28.9.2025. Finnish Surprise Gala at Bio Rex Lasipalatsi on Saturday 27.9. at 6:30pm. The festival programme is overseen by Head of Programme Outi Rehn, together with the programme team. The programme team is made up of Inari Ylinen, Diego Ginartes and Annu Suvanto, as well as Artistic Advisor Pekka Lanerva. The founding members of the festival, which began in 1988, are Pekka Lanerva, Mika Siltala, Eija Niskanen and Matti Paunio. The executive director of Helsinki International Film Festival – Love & Anarchy ry is Pauliina Ståhlberg.