Tampere Film Festival – Finland 2026

Background & History

• Origins: Established in 1968 as the Tampere Short Film Days, the festival was founded by local film club activists, led by Raimo “Rake” Silius, to unite Tampere’s cinematic community. It became the Tampere International Short Film Festival in 1970, with Ilkka Kalliomäki as its first director, focusing on short films of universal and innovative expression.
• Tradition and Significance: Held annually in March, the festival is one of Europe’s top three short film festivals, alongside Clermont-Ferrand and Oberhausen. Recognized by FIAPF and the Short Film Conference (ISFC), it attracts ~20,000 visitors and ~900 accredited professionals yearly, showcasing ~400 films in over 100 screenings. It’s a platform for aesthetic, ethical, and narrative excellence, emphasizing equality and environmental responsibility.
• Growth Over Time: From a modest national event, it grew to include international competitions by 1970, introduced video films in 1988, and digitized in the 2000s. The 2021 online edition due to COVID-19 and the 2022 move to Finnkino Cine Atlas marked significant milestones. The 2025 festival celebrated Pirjo Honkasalo’s 50-year career and introduced the final Rake Special, curated by the late Raimo Silius.
• Cultural Impact: The festival promotes Finnish and global short film culture, fostering cross-cultural exchange through diverse programming. It supports local economies via partnerships with Tampere businesses and enhances Finland’s cinematic reputation as an Oscar®, BAFTA, and European Short Film – Prix Vimeo qualifying festival. Its EcoCompass certification (2024) underscores its commitment to sustainability.
• Modern Developments: The 2025 edition featured hybrid screenings (in-person and online), expanded accessibility (e.g., subtitles, wheelchair access), and introduced the Generation XYZ competition for genre films. The festival continues to prioritize eco-friendly practices, such as digital marketing and vegetarian catering, and social inclusivity through safer space principles and diverse hiring.
• Recognition: Awarded the EcoCompass Certificate (2024) for environmental responsibility, and noted by Screen International as “a vital platform for short filmmakers.” Its alumni include Aki Kaurismäki and Pirjo Honkasalo, cementing its role in shaping cinematic talent.

Event Highlights

• Main Activities or Performances:
  • International Competition: Showcases ~60 short films (under 30 minutes) from over 7,000 global submissions, competing for the Grand Prix (“Kiss” trophy, €5,000) and category awards (e.g., Best Fiction, Animation, Documentary). Screenings at Finnkino Cine Atlas (Hatanpään valtatie 1).
  • National Competition: Features ~50 Finnish short films and feature-length documentaries, with €5,000 main prizes for each category, plus special mentions. A key platform for Finnish filmmakers, held at Arthouse Cinema Niagara (Kehräsaari B).
  • Generation XYZ Competition: Launched in 2021, this competition highlights ~10 genre-based short films (e.g., sci-fi, horror), offering a €2,000 main prize, screened at Finnkino Plevna (Itäinenkatu 4).
  • Special Programmes: Curated screenings of unique films, including silent films with live music, Finnish Film Archive (KAVI) retrospectives, and collaborations like AV-arkki (experimental media) and EFA Shorts. Highlights include 2025’s Pirjo Honkasalo retrospective and live-accompanied silent films at Tampere Cathedral (Tuomiokirkonkatu 3b).
  • Industry Events: Seminars, panel discussions, and workshops at Industry Centre (Väinö Linnan aukio 13), covering topics like short film financing, distribution, and sustainability in filmmaking. Includes Q&As with filmmakers and the Tampere Bootcamp for international students.
  • Public Events: Free outdoor screenings (e.g., video mapping on Finlayson buildings), networking parties at Laterna (Puutarhakatu 11), and live music at Vastavirta-Klubi (Pispalan valtatie 39).
• Special Traditions or Features:
  • Kiss Trophy: The iconic award for International Competition winners, designed by Tapio Junto in 1970, symbolizing cinematic creativity.
  • Silent Film Screenings: Live-accompanied screenings of classics like Buster Keaton films at Olympia (Satakunnankatu 10), a tradition since 2002.
  • Safer Space Principles: Enforced across all venues to ensure inclusivity, with a harassment contact (Riina Mikkonen, +358 44 476 5203).
  • Eco-Friendly Practices: Vegetarian-only catering, recycled materials, and minimal printed brochures, aligning with the EcoCompass pledge.
• Unique Attractions for Visitors:
  • Diverse Venues: Screenings in historic (Tampere Cathedral) and modern (Finnkino Cine Atlas) settings, blending cultural heritage with cutting-edge cinema.
  • Online Screenings: Free and paid access to select films via tamperefilmfestival.fi, broadening global reach.
  • Networking Parties: Evening events at Laterna and Vastavirta-Klubi, fostering connections among filmmakers, students, and fans.
  • Interactive Map: A Citynomadi-powered map on the festival website details venues, accessibility, and nearby services.

Date & Duration

• Dates: March 4 – March 8, 2026
• Duration: 5 days
• Opening Hours:
  • Screenings: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM daily at Finnkino Cine Atlas, Arthouse Cinema Niagara, and Finnkino Plevna.
  • Industry Events/Workshops: 1:00 PM–5:00 PM at Industry Centre and Main Library Metso (Pirkankatu 2).
  • Outdoor Events: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM at Finlayson area and Väinö Linnan aukio (free, weather-dependent).
  • Award Ceremony: March 8, 6:00 PM–8:00 PM at Tuulensuu Palace.
  • Box Office: Open March 2–8, 9:00 AM–8:00 PM at Finnkino Cine Atlas (Hatanpään valtatie 1).

Venue / Location

• City: Tampere, Finland
• Main Venues:
  • Finnkino Cine Atlas: Koskikeskus Shopping Centre, Hatanpään valtatie 1, main hub for International and Generation XYZ competitions.
  • Arthouse Cinema Niagara: Kehräsaari B, hosts National Competition and special screenings.
  • Finnkino Plevna: Itäinenkatu 4, for Generation XYZ and select special programmes.
  • Olympia: Satakunnankatu 10, for silent film screenings with live music.
  • Tampere Cathedral: Tuomiokirkonkatu 3b, for unique screenings like church-based specials.
  • Industry Centre: Väinö Linnan aukio 13, for seminars and workshops.
  • Main Library Metso: Pirkankatu 2, for talks and educational events.
  • Laterna: Puutarhakatu 11, festival’s “living room” for networking and parties.
  • Vastavirta-Klubi: Pispalan valtatie 39, for live music and late-night events.
• Notable Areas:
  • Finlayson Area: Historic industrial zone hosting outdoor screenings and video mapping.
  • Koskikeskus Shopping Centre: Central location with parking, dining, and easy access to Cine Atlas.
  • Old Town (Kehräsaari): Cultural hub near Niagara, with nearby cafes and bars.
• Google Maps Address: Hatanpään valtatie 1, 33100 Tampere, Finland (Finnkino Cine Atlas).

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold:
  • Online: tamperefilmfestival.fi or tiketti.fi, starting January 2026.
  • Box Office: Finnkino Cine Atlas (Hatanpään valtatie 1), March 2–8, 9:00 AM–8:00 PM (cash, card).
  • Accreditation: Industry passes (€50–€100) via tamperefilmfestival.fi for professionals.
  • Accessibility Tickets: Email office@tamperefilmfestival.fi for wheelchair or assisted seating.
• Admission Type:
  • Paid for main screenings and industry events; free for online screenings, outdoor events, and select Q&As.
• Ticket Pricing (USD):
  • Single Screening: $6.50–$10.80 (€6–€10).
  • Festival Pass: $86.40 (€80, access to all screenings).
  • Industry Pass: $54.00–$108.00 (€50–€100, includes seminars).
  • Student/Senior Discount: 20% off single tickets with ID (€4.80–€8).
  • Free Events: Online screenings, outdoor video mappings, and select Q&As ($0).
  • Group Discounts: 10% off for 10+ tickets, email office@tamperefilmfestival.fi.
• Minimum and Maximum Ticket Pricing:
  • Minimum: $0 (free events).
  • Maximum: $108.00 (Industry Pass).
• Special Seating or VIP Options:
  • Wheelchair-accessible seats in all auditoriums (Cine Atlas: front row, auditoriums 2–3 direct access; 1 and 4 with staff assistance).
  • Festival Pass holders get priority entry to screenings.
  • No formal VIP seating, but early online purchases secure better seats.

Contact Information

• Email:
  • General Inquiries: office@tamperefilmfestival.fi
  • Accessibility/Harassment: riina.mikkonen@tamperefilmfestival.fi
  • Press: aino.hakala@tamperefilmfestival.fi
  • Programming: films@tamperefilmfestival.fi
  • Guest Services: iida.sahlman@tff.fi
• Phone:
  • General: +358 3 223 5681
  • Festival Director (Jukka-Pekka Laakso): +358 40 703 8599
  • Executive Director (Riina Mikkonen): +358 44 476 5203
  • Guest Coordinator (Iida Sahlman): +358 44 755 7738
• Website: tamperefilmfestival.fi
• Social Media:
  • Instagram: @tamperefilmfestival
  • Facebook: @TampereFilmFestival
  • YouTube: Tampere Film Festival
  • Hashtag: #tamperefilmfestival
• Key Staff:
  • Festival Director: Jukka-Pekka Laakso
  • Executive Director: Riina Mikkonen
  • Producer: Mikko Sorrela
  • Communications Coordinator: Aino Hakala
  • Programme Coordinator: Mervi Rantala
  • Board Chairperson: Liisa Holmberg
• Press/Volunteers:
  • Press: Email aino.hakala@tamperefilmfestival.fi by February 2026 for accreditation.
  • Volunteers: Apply via website in early 2026; contact office@tamperefilmfestival.fi.
• Response Time: 24–48 hours; English, Finnish support.

Cultural Experience

• Traditions:
  • Celebrates short films as an art form, with a focus on aesthetic and ethical storytelling since 1970.
  • The “Kiss” trophy, awarded since 1970, is a symbol of cinematic excellence.
  • Silent film screenings with live music, a nod to early cinema, are a festival hallmark.
  • Safer space principles ensure an inclusive environment, with active anti-harassment measures.
• Music:
  • Live piano or ensemble accompaniment for silent films at Olympia and Tampere Cathedral.
  • Festival parties at Vastavirta-Klubi feature local bands playing indie, jazz, or electronic music.
• Costumes:
  • No formal costumes, but volunteers wear festival T-shirts (encouraged to reuse yearly).
  • Filmmakers and attendees often adopt creative, casual attire for networking events, reflecting Tampere’s artistic vibe.
• Local Customs:
  • Respectful viewing: Silence phones, no recording, and adhere to safer space guidelines.
  • Post-screening Q&As encourage dialogue between filmmakers and audiences, a tradition since the 1980s.
  • Socializing at Laterna over local beers or mustamakkara, fostering a communal festival atmosphere.

Food & Drinks

• Must-Try Specialties:
  • Mustamakkara: Tampere’s famous black sausage with lingonberry jam, available at Koskikeskus food courts or nearby eateries.
  • Rieska: Finnish flatbread, often served with vegetarian toppings at festival venues.
  • Kalakukko: Rye-crusted fish pie, a regional specialty at Finlayson-area restaurants.
  • Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Festival catering offers dishes like lentil stew or vegan pulla (sweet buns), aligning with sustainability goals.
• Beverage Highlights:
  • Lapin Kulta: Local Finnish lager, served at Laterna and Vastavirta-Klubi.
  • Lonkero: Finnish gin-based long drink, popular at festival parties.
  • Non-Alcoholic: Blueberry juice or kahvi (Finnish coffee) at venue stalls.
  • Sima: Traditional mead-like drink, occasionally available at cultural events.

Getting There

• Nearest Airports:
  • Tampere-Pirkkala Airport (TMP): 17 km from Tampere, 30 minutes by bus (Line 103, $4.70, ABC zone ticket) or taxi ($20–$30).
  • Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL): 170 km, 1.5–2 hours by train ($8–$30, VR) or bus ($10–$20, Matkahuolto).
• Public Transport:
  • Train: From Helsinki-Vantaa to Tampere via Tikkurila (1.5–2 hours, $8–$30, book at vr.fi).
  • Bus: Line 103 from Tampere-Pirkkala to city center (~30 minutes, $4.70, Nysse Mobile App or contactless card).
  • Tram/Bus in Tampere: Koskipuisto or Sorinaukio stops (150–300m from Cine Atlas, $0.80–$1.10, Nysse app, no cash).
• Parking:
  • P-Koskikeskus garage (Suvantokatu, $5–$15/day, 4 electric charging points).
  • Limited street parking near Niagara; use Finlayson lots ($3–$10/day).
• Accessibility:
  • All venues wheelchair-accessible (Cine Atlas: ramps, lifts; Niagara: assisted access). Email office@tamperefilmfestival.fi for arrangements.
  • Visa: Check um.fi for entry requirements; ensure valid passport.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury Hotels:
  • Original Sokos Hotel Ilves: Hatanpään valtatie 1, festival partner, $139–$199/night (use code BTFF2025, book by February 26, 2026).
  • Lapland Hotels Tampere: Yliopistonkatu 44, modern, $120–$250/night.
• Mid-Range Hotels:
  • Scandic Tampere City: Hämeenkatu 1, near train station, $80–$150/night.
  • Solo Sokos Hotel Torni: Ratapihankatu 43, stylish, $90–$170/night.
• Budget Options:
  • Omena Hotel Tampere: Hämeenkatu 7, self-service, $50–$100/night.
  • Dream Hostel Tampere: Åkerlundinkatu 2, dorms/privates, $20–$60/night.
• Airbnb and Apartments:
  • Tampere city center apartments ($40–$120/night); book 3–6 months ahead via visit tampere.fi.
• Booking Tips:
  • Use festival code BTFF2025 at Sokos Hotels (+358 300 870 000).
  • Stay near Koskikeskus or Finlayson for walkable access.
  • Contact Iida Sahlman (iida.sahlman@tff.fi, +358 44 755 7738) for assistance.