French Film Day at the Karhupuisto Film Festival

The much-anticipated Karhupuisto Film Festival, which attracted more than 7,500 visitors last year, returns to Helsinki in September 2026. This year, festivalgoers will have the chance to fully immerse themselves in French cinema and culture during a special French Day on 8 September 2026.

Organised in collaboration between the French Institute of Finland and the Karhupuisto Film Festival, the French Film Day at Karhupuisto Film Festival will feature two full-length films: La Gradiva, winner of the top prize at Cannes Critics’ Week, and A Summer’s Tale (Conte d’été), Éric Rohmer’s beloved classic, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

At Bar tÿpo, you can enjoy four French short films, including Nouvel Hair and Pale Sun, both screening in Finland for the first time. True to the festival’s theme, Urban Life, the day will also feature a discussion on European cities and rising temperatures, with Annastiina Heikkilä, Yle’s former Paris correspondent, among the speakers. The concert of the Finnish artist Milou will add the finishing touch to the programme, with her French and Belgian influenced music.

FRENCH FILM DAY – 8 SEPTEMBER 2026

📍 Tent, Karhupuisto
16:30–17:00 Concert: Milou
17:30–20:30 La Gradiva (Marine Atlan, 2026) + discussion
21:00–23:00 A Summer’s Tale (Conte d’été) (Éric Rohmer, 1996)

📍 Bar tÿpo
17:00–18:00 French short films – free admission

• Fresh Cut (Nouvel Hair) – Hadrien Bels, 2026
• Montsouris Park (Montsouris) – Guil Sela, 2024
• Shadows – Rand Beiruty, 2024
• Pale Sun (Soleil Pâl) – Adrian Moyse Dullin & Jawahine Zentar, 2026

📍 Kallio Library
16:00–17:00 Discussion: The Hot City – How Do We Live in a Changing Climate?

Speakers: İdil Gaziulusoy, Amanda Pasanen and Annastiina Heikkilä.