Halima Wins Best Fiction at Finnish Film Affair
Naima Mohamud’s heartfelt comedy Halima, about a 10‑year‑old Somali girl in 1998 Finland, captured the Best Fiction prize at the Finnish Film Affair. The award highlighted the film’s authentic voice and marked a milestone as the first Finnish feature directed by a black woman. Other winners include…
By Felo News Desk · Published
At the Finnish Film Affair, the industry‑focused side event of the Helsinki Film Festival, former BBC journalist Naima Mohamud’s debut feature Halima was awarded the top prize for Best Fiction. The 90‑minute comedy‑drama follows a 10‑year‑old Somali girl who struggles to fit in a Finnish town in 1998, offering a rare glimpse into a period of Finnish history that has rarely been shown on screen.
Halima: A Milestone for Finnish Cinema
Mohamud, who studied filmmaking at London Metropolitan University and USC, brings a personal touch to the story. She says the film is inspired by her own upbringing in Finland, a country where she felt no one had seen black people before. The film’s authenticity was praised by the jury, which included U.S. producer Jodi Hildebrand, BFI’s Phoebe Hall and FEST-New Directors festival director Fernando Vasquez. The jury noted that Mohamud’s “energetic and authentic voice” shines through and promises a compelling lead performance.
It’s Alive Films, the company behind the project, has a reputation for producing artistically daring content such as Euthanizer and The Man Who Did Not Want to See Titanic. The film’s production marks a first for the company, as it is the first Finnish feature not directed by co‑owner Teemo (Nikki). Co‑founder Jani Pösö highlighted that the film is “entertaining takes on deadly serious subjects,” a hallmark of the company’s work.
Other Winners at the Affair
While Halima took the Best Fiction award, the jury also handed out the €3,000 Best Nordic Film Award to the Norwegian suspense drama 11 Hours by Emilie Beck. The film, which won Best Pitch at the 2024 Haugesund New Nordic Films festival, tells the true story of a daycare director, her staff, and eleven children who were held hostage for 11 hours. The jury praised the film’s ability to turn a headline‑style thriller into a layered social narrative.
In the Best Genre Project category, sponsored by Post Control Helsinki and Angel Films, the jury awarded the prize to Sauna Diplomacy by Teenu Niukkanen. The comedy, set in the summer of 1970, follows civil servant Heikki who hosts a Soviet diplomat at his lakeside cottage, only to find the weekend turning into a game of manipulation and power. Niukkanen’s script was described as “very original, fun and commercially viable.” The project has already been pre‑bought by Nordisk Film for the Nordics, with production slated to begin in 2028.
Additional Industry Awards
Four more industry awards were presented. The Midpoint Series Consulting Award went to the six‑part comedy thriller Body in the Closet from Bloodsuckers, while the Feature Consulting Award was awarded to the courtroom drama Big Deal in development. The inaugural Producers Network Award from the Marché du Film was given to the Finnish project Babyface by Aleksi Delikouras, a modern‑day “Karate Kid” story. Finally, It’s Alive Films’ psycho‑horror Linden Lane 6 received the Göteborg Film Festival Award.
Searchlight’s Sydney Brumfield, who was present for the Nordic Genre Lab, praised the event for its high quality and strong selection of projects. Norwegian International Film Festival head Tonje Hardersen echoed this sentiment, noting the year’s strong lineup and highlighting Emilie Beck’s 11 Hours as a standout.
The Finnish Film Affair’s expanding collaborations with key European markets are evident in the networking opportunities provided, allowing Finnish and Nordic professionals to connect with international partners. The event closed with a showcase of promising projects set to shape the region’s cinematic landscape in the coming years.
What’s Next for Halima?
Halima is currently in post‑production, with a delivery scheduled for fall 2027. The film’s success at the Finnish Film Affair has already attracted attention from distributors and festival programmers worldwide. As the first Finnish feature directed by a black woman, Mohamud’s achievement is expected to inspire a new wave of diverse storytelling in Nordic cinema.
For audiences eager to experience a fresh perspective on Finland’s past, Halima promises an engaging blend of humor and heart, set against a backdrop of cultural integration and personal growth.
Key facts
- Naima Mohamud’s debut feature Halima wins Best Fiction
- First Finnish film directed by a black woman
- Norwegian thriller 11 Hours and comedy Sauna Diplomacy also win
- Industry awards spotlight promising Nordic projects
- Finnish Film Affair boosts European collaboration
Why it matters
Halima’s triumph highlights the increasing diversity of Finnish filmmaking and showcases how personal stories can resonate on an international stage.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Finnish Film Affair?
It is an industry‑focused event held during the Helsinki Film Festival, featuring awards, pitches, and networking for Nordic filmmakers.
When will Halima be released?
The film is slated for delivery in fall 2027.
Who produced Halima?
It’s Alive Films, in co‑production with Ireland’s Vico Films.
What other projects were awarded?
11 Hours, Sauna Diplomacy, Body in the Closet, Big Deal, Babyface, and Linden Lane 6 received various awards.
Why is Halima significant?
It is the first Finnish feature directed by a black woman, broadening representation in Nordic cinema.
Sources
- [1] variety.com — originally reported as “‘Halima,’ First Finnish Pic Ever by Black Female Filmmaker, Bags Fiction Project Prize, ‘Sauna Diplomacy’ Named Best Genre Project at Finnish Film Affair”
