Kehittämö, the development programme for debut feature films in Finland, has selected five projects for its 2026 run, as the initiative faces risk of closure due to funding challenges.
Launched in 2023, Kehittämö has been funded by Finland’s Promotion Centre for Audiovisual Culture (AVEK) and the Finnish Culture Foundation, but that funding has come to an end due to government budget cuts.
Scroll down for the five new feature projects
AVEK does not have the required funds to continue the programme on its own. The programme has received €150,000 ($173,000) in one-off gift funding from the Finnish parliament to continue its activities in 2026. However, AVEK director Ulla Simonen has indicated that a long-term funding solution is required to keep the programme alive.
“The Christmas gift funds were an important indication that decision-makers have also recognised the importance of the development programme for the future of the industry,” said Simonen. “I’m grateful for this and hope that we can continue our development efforts in a more lasting manner.”
Kehittämö connects the selected projects with international mentors from across the industry, as well as providing €52,000 ($60,000) in funding to each project. Filmmakers can apply with just a feature film treatment and samples of previous work, and are connected with producers at the second phase of the programme.
Jenni Jauri of Finland’s Silmu Films is participating in Kehittämö for the third time this year. “Kehittämö provides the team of filmmakers with an exceptional opportunity to focus on working on the project for a year while also being paid for it,” said Jauri. “The programme also gives the film project credibility in the eyes of financiers and distributors both in Finland and abroad.”
“Our culture has enormous export potential that is just waiting to be tapped,” added Simonen. “However, film projects require strong support at the beginning so that they can start making efforts to attract international financiers in the development stage.”
Kehittämö 2026 selected projects:
Before Or After, dir. Jesse Jalonen; prod. Ida Karoskoski, Wacky Tie Films
Other People’s Needs, dir. Helmi Donner; prod. Jenni Jauri, Silmu Films
A, B, C And So On, dir. Vilja Autiokyro; prods. Julia Elomaki, Miia Haavisto, Marja Pihlaja, Tekele Productions
Happyland, dir. Jonnakaisa Risto; prods. Pauliina Maus, Kaarle Aho, Making Movies
The Edge Of The World Is Near, dir. Terhi Nieminen; prod. Markku Tuurna, Filmimaa
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