Lapinlahti Film Festival is a film festival in Helsinki, open to all and free of charge, which brings together young Nordic filmmakers, young audiences and professionals in the field. At the Lapinlahti Film Festival, films are not judged against each other but curated around an annually changing theme. In 2025, the theme was loneliness, and Kino Lapinlahti ry collaborated with multiple organizations dedicated to addressing and combating loneliness. Kino Lapinlahti ry believes the connections and friendships formed by participants across borders foster widespread and meaningful relationships.
The day programme included a variety of art and mental well-being workshops, art exhibitions and live music performances. The Lapinlahti Film Festival increases Nordic cultural exchange among young filmmakers and offers a unique opportunity to bring young Nordic artists to Helsinki, while showcasing the city’s cultural appeal to neighbouring countries.
The Lapinlahti Film Festival took place in the historic building and park of the old Lapinlahti Lunatic Asylum, which is a significant cultural heritage site in Helsinki. The event was produced by Kino Lapinlahti ry together with a large and diverse group of young people working in the field of arts and events. The festival lowers the threshold to become part of the film culture through its expression. In addition to its Nordic dimension, it has a significant local impact: the event supports the preservation of the Lapinlahti region as a centre of culture and mental well-being open to all.
The project was granted funding from the Norden 0-30 grant programme in 2025.
Find out more about our other grant programmes and application deadlines here!