The Helsinki International Film Festival will launch the Finnish Film Affair, the first industry showcase for new domestic films.

Aimed at sales agents, buyers, festival programmers and press, the event runs from Sept 25-27 and includes new features and work-in-progress, together with an industry panel and networking events.

“With Finnish films doing so well internationally lately, it seemed the perfect time to launch this programme,” said HIFF director Pekka Lanerva. She described the Fair as a “natural progression” for the Helsinki Festival, which will be celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Other partners on board include the Central Organisation of Finnish Film Producers SEK, the Finnish Film Foundation SES, the Finnish Film & Audiovisual Export FAVEX, Finland Film Commission and support from the Nordic Culture Fund.