INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
Grand Prix
5 000 € + Statuette “Kiss”
(Tampereen kaupunki)
EL CANON
Martín Seeger | Chile | 2024 | Fiction | 19 min
For the original and unexpected take on the subject of colonialism in which the filmmaker plays with the idea of our relationship with the other in a very sarcastic but deeply touching way.
Tampere Candidate for the European Short Film – Prix Vimeo Award, 2026
BEING JOHN SMITH
John Smith | United Kingdom | 2024 | Experimental, Documentary | 27 min
For showing us that being a well-known filmmaker doesn’t mean that you are always comfortable with yourself, and sure of what you are doing and why.
Best Animation
1 500 € + Statuette “Kiss”
ZIMA
Tomek Popakul, Kasumi Ozeki | Poland | 2023 | Animation | 26 min
For the creation of the dark and deeply unsettling, but also mesmerizing and visually striking world, that gets under your skin like only cats can.
Best Fiction
1 500 € + Statuette “Kiss”
(United Parcel Service Finland)
HE MA
JJ Lin | China | 2025 | Fiction | 13 min
For the absurdist humor, witty dialog and visual craftsmanship in a film that invites the audience to take a look behind the hippopotamus.
Best Documentary
1 500 € + Statuette “Kiss”
DOM STROM
Katarina Gramatová | Slovakia | 2024 | Documentary | 20 min
For the energetic yet intimate portrait of a young Romani boy, but also a slowly disappearing Slovakian village, which shows us how easy it is to fall prey to dangerous ideas.
International Competition, Audience Award
O
Rúnar Rúnarsson | Iceland, Sweden | 2024 | Fiction | 20 min
NATIONAL COMPETITION
Under 30 minutes
Main Prize
5 000 € + Statuette “Kiss”
UNDERDOG
Marjo Levlin | Finland | 2024 | Documentary, Experimental | 30 min
With humility and profound respect for the audience and the cinematic art form, the director skillfully crafts an experience that neither manipulates nor confines, but rather liberates us through an innovative and mesmerizing approach. Effortlessly bridging intimate childhood memories and passing through the darkest corridors of human thought, the film invites us into a deeply resonant reflection on our shared humanity. A masterwork of sensitivity and courage, this film embodies cinema at its most poetic and profound.
Special Prize
1 500 €
PEPPERMINT DIESEL 20%
Mariangela Pluchino | Finland | 2024 | Fiction | 15 min
A refreshing take on the classic rape and revenge motif. The film shows how girls can have fun and take visual pleasure in narrative genre films. All it takes is consensual degradation, male masochism, a deep throat and a whole lot of sticky fluid.
Prize of the Youth Jury
Accreditation to Tampere Film Festival 2026 + Hotel Weekend
(Original Sokos Hotel Ilves)
IN MEMORIAM / ISLANDERS
Matleena Jänis | Finland | 2024 | Documentary | 25 min
This specific film was chosen by us due to its personal subject matter, emotional impact, artistically inspiring triptych form and effortless storytelling.
Tampere Nominee for the European Short Film Audience Award
FISH RIVER ANTHOLOGY
Veera Lamminpää | Finland | 2024 | Animation | 10 min
Over 30 Minutes
Main Prize
5 000 € + Statuette “Kiss”
(Finnkino Oy)
Shared between two winners
CIRCUS TUOMENTO
Veli Granö | Finland | 2025 | Documentary | 75 min
While the film brings us face to face with the ever-relevant cycle of family violence perpetuated across generations and its consequences, it also examines art’s role in an individual’s life by revealing its two contrasting sides. On art’s darker side, the filmmaker portrays what occurs when artistic ambitions exceed abilities and dreams remain unrealized. Yet, the film equally celebrates art’s unique capacity to illuminate and heal when created fearlessly, sincerely, and joyfully.
TWO FORESTS
Jan Ijäs | Finland | 2024 | Documentary | 64 min
Captivating through its meticulous form and subtle camerawork, the film roams gracefully between the surreal and the stark reality of death and decay.
Special Prize
1 500 €
(The Union of Film and Media Employees Finland SET)
MOTHER OF SNOW CRANES
Iiris Härmä | Finland | 2024 | Documentary | 79 min
In this gentle portrait, the filmmaker captures the unique intelligence of an adventurous woman and her faith in the power of nature and joy. At a time when hatred and selfishness seem to dominate humanity, the film offers a different perspective: what if we could forgive the unforgivable – what might follow?
Both Series
Risto Jarva Prize
10 000 €
(Suomen elokuvasäätiö)
FISH RIVER ANTHOLOGY
Veera Lamminpää | Finland | 2024 | Animation | 10 min
The Risto Jarva Prize is an annual Film Industry Award given by the Finnish Film
Foundation to a Finnish film that is fresh, original, and distinctive.
During the festival, the jury reviewed the films in the National Competition. We saw both
experimental films exploring new forms and more traditional storytelling. Many of this
year’s films powerfully examined the finiteness of life, which perhaps reflects something
about our time.
Maybe because of the times we live in, the jury appreciated films that emphasized
empathy, connection, and the idea that despite our differences and faults, we can still
relate to one another.
This year’s winning film stands out because it takes an original idea and transforms it into
something uniquely imaginative. In this work, neither content nor form limit creativity. The film shines with a sense of freedom in filmmaking.
The film presents something existential in an everyday, familiar setting while making sharp
yet gentle use of dark humour. Through choral singing, the viewer realises they share the
same cold ice bed as their fellow human beings.
The Church Media Foundation Prize
1 500 €
(Kirkon mediasäätiö)
CIRCUS TUOMENTO
Veli Granö | Finland | 2025 | Documentary | 75 min
The film leads us to ponder the deep questions of existence. How to balance one’s privacy, the desire to withdraw and build an inner world separate from others, but still be one with the world.
With this question, the film reflects our time, our world that is now uncertain and insecure, and tempts us to withdraw. But as the protagonist of this film shows, it is possible to find your own balance, to find inner peace, and still be part of a community.
As an abused child, he wanted to improve the atmosphere in his violent family, and now as an adult, he wants to improve the world. But how?
This artist, who has withdrawn from the community, has created his own city in his backyard, and a home he didn’t have as a child. He invites the public to his own city, to its fun events, and guides interested tourists to explore the art of his city.
Through his art, he becomes part of the community.
The film is skillfully constructed. It successfully balances the public and private worlds of its protagonist. And why wouldn’t it succeed, because the main character is a master of balancing, a tightrope walker.
Sustainability Award Verso
1 000 €
(Tampereen kaupunki, Audiovisual Producers Finland – APFI, Tampereen elokuvajuhlat)
FISH RIVER ANTHOLOGY
Veera Lamminpää | Finland | 2024 | Animation | 10 min
Unlike the other awards presented today, the Sustainability Award Verso, now being given for the 4th time, is not based on the content of a film or its screenplay. Instead, Verso recognizes the ecological sustainability of film production. All participants in the national competition have had the opportunity to highlight how they have considered environmental aspects in the making of their films. The award is based on applications, and the jury has not watched the nominated films.
This year, all applications mentioned sustainable transportation – its minimization and low emissions – which delighted both the filmmakers and urban development experts in the jury. We hope that in the future more and more productions of all sizes will recognize these opportunities to reduce their environmental impact. Many applications noted that responsibility is ingrained in the workgroups’ members, which we find truly commendable and a promising sign for the future.
The application of this year’s Sustainability Award Verso winner demonstrates a strong understanding of ecological filmmaking and material use, as well as a thorough reflection on their own actions, operational possibilities, scalability and learning from these considerations. Thematically, the application places circular economy principles at the core of environmental responsibility. The execution provides food for thought and replicable models within the industry, especially for students, laying a foundation for a more sustainable future in film production.
Additionally, the creators of this film actively seek to highlight the benefits of environmentally friendly practices and advocate for a greener film industry.
Golden Shade Equipment Rental Prize for Cinematographer
10 000 €
(Valofirma – The Light House, Kamerafirma – The Camera House)
MY NAME IS HOPE
Máté Papp (cinematographer) | Finland | 2025 | Fiction | 21 min
In this film, the camera occasionally functions as a character. It takes the viewer deep into the protagonist’s horrifying world through small but effective choices, showing deep understanding of visuals. We applaud the bold cinematic choices.
Tampere Film Festival Student Award
1 500 €
(Bufo)
FISH RIVER ANTHOLOGY
Veera Lamminpää | Finland | 2024 | Animation | 10 min
National Competition, Special Mentions
IN MEMORIAM / ISLANDERS
Matleena Jänis | Finland | 2024 | Documentary | 25 min
A cinematic triptych that masterfully balances loss, family history and the pure joy of color.
FISH RIVER ANTHOLOGY
Veera Lamminpää | Finland | 2024 | Animation | 10 min
A celebration of absurdity in the form of a musical.
National Competition, Audience Award
THE MISFIT
Miikka Poutiainen | Finland | 2025 | Documentary | 95 min
Generation XYZ
Best Genre Film
2 000 €
(Audiovisual Producers Finland – APFI)
THE EGGREGORES’ THEORY
Andrea Gatopoulos | Italy | 2024 | Animation | 16 min
The film literally illustrates a distorted mirror image of our distorted world, discussing the political trends and artificial intelligence with evocative power. It is, in a very unique and lyrical way, elegantly entwining the content and the form.
Generation XYZ, Special Mention
LA PECERA
Victoria Garza | Mexico | 2023 | Fiction | 12 min
This strong but subtle film is a clever allegory of animal and human rights, discussing the themes with grace and complexity. The structure of the film reveals the subtext in gradual moves, simultaneously enchanting and shocking the audience.
Generation XYZ, Audience Award
PARASOMNIA
Daniel Noblom | Spain | 2024 | Fiction | 11 min
SYLVI PRIZES
Sylvi Prize for the Best TV Series Script
SECONDS
Laura Suhonen | Finland | 2024 | Fiction | 6 x 50 min
This script is carefully crafted both in its deep structure and narrative progression. The characters and their struggles are compelling, and the story’s tension is skilfully built. The world of the story feels complete, the research has been done thoroughly, and the characters’ development is handled with sensitivity. The series has been written with soul.
The writer advances scenes with precise and economical dialogue and, most delightfully, with carefully crafted imagery. The narrative choice to bring the protagonist – an accident investigator – into dramatic flashbacks at the investigation site is effective and engaging for the reader.
The series is stylistically cohesive, with characters rich in compelling internal conflicts. The extreme situation brings to the surface dramatically engaging aspects – not only in the victims and their loved ones but also in the professionals investigating the accident. The storytelling is consistently gripping, and the narrative flows with clarity and depth, drawing the reader in and leaving them eager for more.
As an artistic whole, the script is a beautiful piece of work. It is a masterfully woven tapestry that, at its core, breathes deep humanity.
In every one of our lives, there comes a time when seconds matter.
Sylvi Prize for the Best Film Script
ITTY BITTY PRINCESS
Tuuli Kanervankallio, Hannele Lampela | Finland | 2024 | Fiction | 75 min
This script is both cohesive and rich. It doesn’t try to expand beyond its natural scope or flirt with different styles. The events of the story feel familiar, yet they continuously surprise. The dialogue and scenes go brilliantly “wrong” in the best possible way!
The script reminds us of important things – but does so with style: on its own terms and with its own delightfully twisted tone. It doesn’t sugarcoat, nor does it lecture. The story portrays children as they are while still taking them seriously. This felt especially refreshing and valuable. Of course, I am hopelessly far from the story’s target audience, but I am confident that young viewers will recognize and appreciate being treated with respect.
The main character, Itty Bitty doesn’t explain – she acts. Her primary tools for solving problems are a healthy rebellious spirit and a vivid imagination. At times, Itty Bitty is almost too clever for her age, yet within the genre, she remains refreshingly self-centered and delightfully childish as a protagonist.
As a film script, this is a refreshingly bold and distinctive celebration of imagination and play. It breaks the conventions of children’s films effortlessly and, hopefully, paves the way for more equally funny and visionary scripts.
