DocPoint celebrates its 25th anniversary between 3–8 February 2026.
Industry events for the upcoming festival will take place between 4–6 February. All events will be held at Kiasma Theatre. Everyone who has accredited can participate to Industry events.
Accreditation for Industry events is available at Early Bird prices until 21 December. After that, accreditation remains open until 23 January 2026.
Early Bird priced Industry accreditation costs €60. The Early Bird accreditation for students costs €30. Apply for accreditation here.
DocPoint Industry programme
Events held on Wednesday will be in Finnish, while Thursday’s and Friday’s Industry events are in English.
Wednesday 4 February (events in Finnish)
10.30–12.00: KESKENERÄISYYDEN AMMATTILAISET — MITEN KEHITTYÄ PALAUTTEEN ANTAJANA JA SAAJANA Filmmaker Katri Myllyniemi offers guidance on how to improve in both giving and receiving feedback.
13.00–14.30: SUOMALAISEN DOKUMENTTIELOKUVA SEURAAVAT 30 VUOTTA A panel discussion on the future of Finnish documentary filmmaking.
14.45–16.15: DOKUMENTTIKILTA ESITTÄÄ: LYHYTELOKUVIEN HELMIÄ A screening of a collection of Finnish contemporary documentary short classics, curated by the Finnish Documentary Guild. All films will be subtitled in English.
Thursday 5 February (events in English)
10.15–11: MEET THE INDUSTRY
11.00–14.15: NORDIC ROUGH CUT An event hosted in collaboration with Nordisk Panorama.
15.15–16.15: BREAKING THE FUNDING LOOP: NEW PATHS FOR FINNISH DOCUMENTARIES
16.30–17.30: BEYOND THE FRAME: SAFETY, CONSENT, AND FAIR REPRESENTATION IN DOCUMENTARY PRACTICE
18.00–19.30: INDUSTRY AFTER WORK
Friday 6 February (events in English):
13.00-15.00: HOW TO CREATE IMPACTFUL POSTERS FOR DOCUMENTARIES Workshop organised in collaboration with Finnish Film Foundation.
DocPoint Helsinki Documentary Film Festival Association has decided to award the 2026 Apollo Award to the Finnish Documentary Guild (Dokumenttikilta ry). The award is intended to celebrate and thank the Finnish Documentary Guild for its long-term work for Finnish documentary film.
Founded in 1996, the Finnish Documentary Guild will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year. For three decades, the Guild has been a community, a voice and a forum for Finnish documentary filmmakers. It has been a place for discussion, the sharing of knowledge and the defence of the value of creative documentary film.
DocPoint explains its decision as follows:
“The Finnish Documentary Guild has been a significant and consistent force in the field of Finnish documentary film. It has built a community that supports filmmakers and promotes openness, ethical practice and professionalism. At DocPoint, we wish to express our appreciation for the Guild’s important work and to emphasise how important cooperation and shared discussion are in the field of documentary film.”
In recent years, amid the challenges facing the field, the Finnish Documentary Guild has continued its work tirelessly. It has brought forward key perspectives for documentary filmmakers and provided concrete peer support at a time when funding and structures in the field have been under pressure.
Sanna Kultanen, Executive Director of the Finnish Documentary Guild, states that the Guild is honoured that the significance of its work is being recognised with the Apollo Award. “The award encourages documentary filmmakers to cherish their community as a resource and to continue their work even when the future is uncertain.”
Maija Hirvonen, Chair of the Board of the Finnish Documentary Guild, adds: “When we share experiences, question ideas and become inspired by ideas together, we sustain the vitality of the art form.”
Anniversary Year and Visibility at the Festival
At the 2026 DocPoint Festival from 3 to 8 February 2026, the Finnish Documentary Guild will celebrate its 30-year history prominently. The festival programme will include, among other events, an anniversary seminar organised by the Finnish Documentary Guild and a film screening curated by the Guild at the Kiasma Theatre.
These events are part of the festival programme and will highlight the diversity, history and future of the documentary filmmakers’ community.
“We want to offer the Finnish Documentary Guild the best possible framework to celebrate its community and we are developing the anniversary programme in close cooperation with the Guild. The field of documentary film is constantly evolving and communities such as the Finnish Documentary Guild, which engage in unique and long-term work, are at the core of its vitality,” states Betty Marschan, Chair of the Board of DocPoint.
The Apollo Award is DocPoint’s honorary award. It is presented to an individual, community or institution for significant work in promoting the visibility and status of documentary film in Finland.
In 2025, the award was presented to director Virpi Suutari.
https://www.docpoint.ee/test/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Dokumenttikilta-kuva-julkistukseen_1080x1920.jpeg10801920https://docpoint.ee/dev/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/logo_gray-300x155.png2025-12-17 11:03:302025-12-17 11:03:32Apollo Award 2026 to the Finnish Documentary Guild
The visual identity and poster for DocPoint’s 25th anniversary in 2026 have been designed by graphic designer Klaus Welp.
“The poster brings together two different feelings. On the one hand, following the state of the world and chains of events can make it feel as though one should be wearing a protective helmet. On the other hand, the visual identity seeks to convey how, through the festival’s documentary films, we are able to experience and sense new worlds, with the sensors of an open-style space helmet raised and ready,” Welp explains.
Klaus Welp is a photojournalist, graphic designer, photographer and director who works through his own company. He is responsible for the illustrations of Long Play’s long-form journalism, the visual identity of the Outsider Art Festival, and serves on the organising committee of the internationally renowned Lahti Poster Triennial. Welp’s first feature-length documentary film, focusing on the ten-year struggle to protect the former Lapinlahti psychiatric hospital, will premiere in cinemas in early 2026.
DocPoint’s 25th anniversary festival season has now begun. The competition programmes were announced on Wednesday 10 December 2025, alongside the launch of Early Bird festival pass sales.
Festival Programme and Ticket Sales
The full festival programme will be announced on 8 January 2026, and individual screening tickets will go on sale on 13 January 2026.
Festival passes are available at Early Bird prices until 29 December 2025.
5 tickets for €58 / concessions €42.50 10 tickets for €105 / concessions €80
The DocPoint Documentary Film Festival will take place in Helsinki from 3 to 8 February 2026.
Further information on festival passes and ticket sales can be found on DocPoint’s Tickets page.
https://www.docpoint.ee/test/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Web-site-teaser-DPF26-ilme_web-2.jpeg5001200https://docpoint.ee/dev/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/logo_gray-300x155.png2025-12-16 15:29:462025-12-16 15:29:48DocPoint’s 25th Anniversary Visual Identity for 2026 Has Been Released
We have around 120 volunteers working with us yearly. The volunteer tasks vary from customer service to ushering, from driving to distributing, and from hosting to communications. The volunteer work takes place during the festival week but some teams, mainly distribution and translators, have shifts available before the festival as well.
BENEFITS FOR VOLUNTEERS
We hope that the volunteers can commit to 20 hours. Shifts are approx. 4–6 hours long each. However, we warmly welcome you to apply even if you want to try volunteering for 1 shift only.
Volunteers who take 20 hours will get a festival pass that grants access to all the screenings that have room, and a food voucher per 5 hours of volunteer work. Work hours will be summed, and vouchers will be given based on the total number of hours. If you take less than 20 hours, you will be given complimentary festival tickets instead of the festival pass.
After the festival, we will invite all the volunteers to an amazing wrap-up party. A volunteer work testimonial will be provided for all those who want it.
VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
28.12.2025: We are still looking for photographers and videographers (who have their own equipment), and a few experienced TheaterSupervisors. If you are interested in these tasks, read the descriptions behind the link below and message Volunteer Coordinator Riikka directly, riikka@docpoint.fi.
We’ve received enough applications for all the other teams. We have closed the application. All of you who have applied so far, thank you! We are processing the applications and will get back to you shortly.
https://www.docpoint.ee/test/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/240202-Juho-Liukkonen-Annelin-Aika-3-scaled.jpg17032560https://docpoint.ee/dev/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/logo_gray-300x155.png2025-12-15 16:57:572025-12-29 12:18:56DocPoint is looking for volunteers!
During the DocPoint festival week, on Friday 6 February 2026, audiences will have the chance to experience a truly special evening as DocPoint and Savoy Theatre present Ivo Dimchev. Dimchev is one of Europe’s most intriguing and provocative contemporary artists.
In Hell With Ivo premieres in Finland
The evening begins with the Finnish premiere of In Hell With Ivo (2024, dir. Kristina Nikolova).
The documentary offers a captivating portrait of the Bulgarian queer artist and singer-songwriter who transforms personal vulnerability and societal pressures into bold, boundary-pushing art and activism. The film is a powerful testament to the healing potential of creativity.
Concert: Ivo Dimchev & Band
After the film, Dimchev takes the stage with his band. The internationally acclaimed choreographer, performance artist and musician presents a show blending physical theatre, dark poetry and vibrant musical intensity.
Dimchev’s music moves between blues, art pop and techno, while his impressive stage presence shifts from rock star to cabaret primadonna. His Balkan roots are also strongly reflected in the band’s sound.
Tickets
Tickets for the evening are available through two sales channels:
https://www.docpoint.ee/test/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/In-Hell-With-Ivo-press-still_1080x1920-web.jpeg10801920https://docpoint.ee/dev/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/logo_gray-300x155.png2025-12-12 12:58:202025-12-12 13:11:26DocPoint x Savoy Theatre: Film and Concert – Ivo Dimchev
DocPoint – Helsinki Documentary Film Festival will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year. The anniversary edition will take place from 3–8 February 2026, once again bringing the most topical documentary films to the silver screen. DocPoint will once again feature three competition categories: the International Competition, the National Competition and the National Short Film Competition.
The International Competition will present ten films, while eight films have been selected for the National Competition. In addition, nineteen films will compete in the National Short Film Competition. One of the films in the National Competition, Days of Wonder directed by Karin Pennanen, has been selected as the festival’s opening film. The work is a personal portrayal of the director’s reclusive uncle, whose home revealed an extraordinary artistic life’s work after his death.
The National and International Competitions have been part of DocPoint’s programme since 2021. The competitions feature works that represent the full breadth of documentary cinema as an art form and that are bold and distinctive in their approach. The winners will be selected by professional juries and announced at the festival’s awards gala on Saturday, 7 February 2026.
DocPoint’s Artistic Director Inka Achté comments:
“Documentary cinema is needed in these times of crisis more urgently than ever. DocPoint’s competitions respond to the surrounding world in many different ways; the selection includes multi-layered portrayals of individuals, collectively created films in which the personal intertwines with the political, as well as works in which history is ‘rewritten’ by re-editing old archival material. What the competition films share is the way they reveal humanity behind data and news reports, keep political and moral imagination alive, and help us read between the lines.”
NATIONAL COMPETITION FILMS Eight feature-length documentaries have been selected for the National Competition.
Christopher Petit and Emma Matthews’D Is for Distance examines the meanings of distance and closeness on both emotional and geographical levels.
Sinna Virtanen’sEtna is a poetic documentary about intergenerational trauma, in which a volcano transforms from a metaphor for suppressed emotions into a living agent.
Ann-Mari Leinonen and Einari Paakkanen’sThe Invisible Enemy follows two Finnish volunteer soldiers who fought in Ukraine as they undergo trauma therapy in order to find their way back to everyday life.
Karin Pennanen’s Days of Wonder is an intimate portrait of a long-overlooked Finnish artist and his life’s work.
Jenni Kivistö and Jussi Rastas’Silent Legacy tells the story of Sibiri, a contemporary dancer living in Finland, and his identity process between two realities.
Tonislav Hristov’sTruth or Dare follows, ahead of the Bulgarian elections, a journalist investigating disinformation and an engineer who spreads conservative conspiracy theories.
Mohamed El Aboudi’sThe Last Chapter examines the reflections of ageing first-generation immigrants on identity, belonging, love and death.
Panu Suuronen’sIn Full Agreement explores how the war in Ukraine has reshaped the identity and sense of belonging of Russian-speaking Finns.
National Competition Jury: Darko Nabakov (MakeDox), Jasmina Vignjevic, Murtada Elfadl
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION FILMS
Ten documentary films have been selected for the International Competition.
Déni Oumar Pitsaev’sImago follows a return to one’s roots in the Caucasus, where the dream of a house in the forest reveals wounded family relationships and layered identities.
Lana Daher’sDo You Love Me? is a love letter to Beirut and its history, composed from archival material.
Aboozar Amini’s Kabul, Between Prayers follows a young man navigating Taliban ideology, family expectations and everyday life in Afghanistan.
Khartoum, directed by Anas Saeed, Rawia Alhag, Ibrahim Snoopy Ahmad, Timeea Mohamed Ahmed and Phil Cox, portrays the everyday reality and resilience of Sudanese people living amid war.
Misha Vallejo’sLight Memories is a personal journey into intergenerational trauma and hidden family secrets.
Robin Petré’sOnly on Earth examines the tension between humans and nature in the age of the climate crisis.
Brittany Shyne’sSeeds depicts the lives of African American farmers in the United States during a historical transition.
Hemen Khaledi’sSinging Wings portrays a Kurdish woman’s relationship with an injured stork, paralleling the emotions sparked by her daughter’s plans to move away.
Yrsa Roca Fannberg’s film-shot The Ground Beneath Our Feet observes the small daily wonders in the life of care home residents.
Nils Toftenow, Mathias Rosberg and Olle Toftenow’sZlatan’s Nose blends true crime, comedy and filmmaking in the mystery of the missing nose of a Zlatan Ibrahimović statue.
International Competition Jury: Ali Khechen (Doha Film Institute), Chico Pereira, Enikő Gyureskó
NATIONAL SHORT FILM COMPETITION
Nineteen films have been selected for the National Short Film Competition, screened across three different programmes. The films explore themes such as urban environments, the relationship between humans and nature, layered memory and experiences shaped by times of crisis. The selection also features experimental works that make use of archival materials, animation and fiction. The programme reflects current uncertainties, but also everyday humour and hope.
National Short Film Competition Jury: Amani Al-mehsen, Antti Lempiäinen, Dario Oliveira
FESTIVAL PROGRAMME AND TICKET SALES
The full festival programme will be announced on 8 January 2026, and individual screening tickets will go on sale on 13 January 2026.
Festival passes will be available from 10 December 2025, with Early Bird prices valid until 29 December 2025: – 5 tickets for €58 / concessions €42,5 – 10 tickets for €105 / concessions €80
NATIONAL COMPETITION – FULL LIST
Christopher Petit, Emma Matthews: D Is for Distance Sinna Virtanen: Etna Panu Suuronen: In Full Agreement Einari Paakkanen, Ann-Mari Leinonen: The Invisible Enemy Karin Pennanen: Days of Wonder Jenni Kivistö, Jussi Rastas: Silent Legacy Tonislav Hristov: Truth or Dare Mohamed El Aboudi: The Last Chapter
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION – FULL LIST
Lana Daher: Do You Love Me Deni Oumar Pitsaev: Imago Aboozar Amini: Kabul, Between Prayers Anas Saeed, Rawia Alhag, Ibrahim Snoopy Ahmad, Timeea Mohamed Ahmed, Phil Cox: Khartoum Misha Vallejo: Light Memories Robin Petré: Only on Earth Brittany Shyne: Seeds Hemen Khaledi: Singing Wings Yrsa Roca Fannberg: The Ground Beneath Our Feet Nils Toftenow, Mathias Rosberg, Olle Toftenow: Zlatan’s Nose
NATIONAL SHORT FILM COMPETITION – FULL LIST
Anni Tiainen, Teresia Fant:20 Metres from Russia Eero Tammi: The Ghost Feel Hour Jani Peltonen: Equal Dust Martta Tuomaala: Am I Calling You at a Bad Time? Heta Kuchka: Homesick Heidi Tirri: Human Machine Joel Karppanen: John 9:25 Moona Pennanen: All the Light That Remains Miia Autio: Letter 1 / AIR Juice Huhtala:Lonely Rider Emilia Hernesniemi: The Monster Pilvi Takala: Feeling Defensive (Part 1) P.V. Lehtinen: Simo Was Here Niina Suominen: Smoking Spot Paola Fernanda: Diving Wombs Anni Sairio, Joonatan Turkki:Speeding, of Course Risto-Pekka Blom:Invasive Species Marja Viitahuhta, Ánnámáret, Turkka Inkilä, Ilkka Heinonen: Vuoiŋŋat Ewa Górzna, Katarzyna Miron: Watchful
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Anni Fahler has been appointed as the new Executive Director for DocPoint, starting from September 15, 2025. Fahler brings with her a diverse background in the cultural and film industry. The 25th DocPoint – Helsinki Documentary Film Festival will take place on February 3–8, 2026, in Helsinki.
“DocPoint’s recruitment for a new Executive Director attracted a very high-quality pool of applicants. The diversity and expertise of the candidates made the selection process both challenging and inspiring. We hope that as many of them as possible will continue to contribute to the cultural field in the future!” says Betty Marschan, Chair of the Board of DocPoint – Film Events Association.
“Anni Fahler brings an excellent combination of strategic thinking, communication skills, and experience in developing the finances and operations of cultural organizations. Her ability to build trust and cooperation with funders, artists, and partners is exactly what DocPoint needs at a time when the cultural field faces many structural and economic challenges. Anni understands the significance of non-fiction films as a socially relevant art form and has a clear vision of how the festival’s values and operating conditions can be sustainably strengthened for the future,” says Betty Marschan.
“Non-fiction films opens windows to the world and gives a voice to stories that might otherwise go unheard. The festival is an important platform for encounters, discussions, and new perspectives. Together with the team, artists, partners, and audience, I want to ensure that DocPoint remains a bold, topical, and community-building event. It is inspiring to continue the DocPoint story, and I believe that with collaboration and creativity, we can strengthen the position of non-fiction film in Finland during these challenging times,” says Anni Fahler.
Anni Fahler is a versatile arts and culture professional who has worked in film distribution, museums, and the independent arts sector. She has held positions at Amos Rex, the Finnish Institute in Stockholm, the Ostrobothnia Film Centre, and several film festivals.
Fahler succeeds Johanna Råman, who will start as the Director of the Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux in Brussels in October 2025.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Johanna Råman for her significant contribution as DocPoint’s Executive Director over the past two years. Under Johanna’s leadership, the festival achieved financial stability, and the office developed into a workplace described as warm, appreciative, and encouraging of collaboration. Although Johanna’s departure is a great loss for us, it is a joy to move forward together with a new, strong Executive Director,” Betty Marschan adds.
DocPoint Film Events Association (in Finnish: DocPoint-elokuvatapahtumat ry), founded in 2001, is a not-for-profit organization that strives to promote creative documentary film and culture in Finland, and creates dialogue between international professionals and audiences. The association annually organizes DocPoint – Helsinki Documentary Film Festival, one of the largest documentary film festivals in the Nordic countries and the only event in Finland dedicated exclusively to non-fiction films. In 2024, DocPoint – Film Events Association received the Finnish State Prize for Cinema for organizing the annual DocPoint – Helsinki Documentary Film Festival. The 25th DocPoint Festival will be held from February 3 to 8, 2026.
Photo: Eleonora Weyner
https://www.docpoint.ee/test/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Anni-2024-1-c-Eleonora-Weyner.jpg10941642https://docpoint.ee/dev/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/logo_gray-300x155.png2025-11-18 15:29:012025-12-10 13:34:08Anni Fahler appointed as Executive Director for DocPoint
DocPoint — Helsinki Documentary Film Festival is looking for trainees to join the next festival team! Are you a solution-oriented and positive team player who keeps the strings in your hands? Are you a proactive and can you work under pressure?
Read more about the open trainee positions and fill out an application. Please apply by Tuesday, 12 August, 2025, at 6pm. An internship at DocPoint is suitable for students from many different fields. The important thing is an interest in creative documentary films and international art and cultural cooperation, as well as a desire to develop one’s own skills. We require the applicant to have relevant experience and/or education. Language requirements can be found in the task-specific descriptions.
The next DocPoint — Helsinki Documentary Film Festival will take place from February 3 to 8, 2026. DocPoint – Helsinki Documentary Film Festival is one of the largest documentary festivals in the Nordic countries and the only festival solely dedicated to documentary films in Finland. You get to work with an international, enthusiastic and encouraging team and learn new things. The internship is located in Helsinki. Unfortunately, the festival office is not accessible.
We value the diversity of the working community and work for equality. We want applicants from different backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders, people with disabilities, and people from different languages, cultures or other population groups. We hope that no picture is attached to the applications.
Application deadline: August 12, 2025 at 6pm. Interviews will take place during week of 34/2025 (18.8.-22.8.2025). For further information, please contact Executive Director Johanna Råman by e-mail: johanna.raman(at)docpoint.fi.
There are two open trainee positions for DocPoint — Helsinki Documentary Film Festival 2026 as follows:
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
As a Production Assistant, you will work in versatile tasks related to festival production. You will be involved in the production of Q&A events. The tasks also include collecting data and materials, maintaining and archiving files, communicating with different parties, and various production tasks. In addition, the Production Assistant helps with various everyday tasks in the office. The job requires strong knowledge of the English language. Versatile other language skills are considered as an advantage.
Type: 8.12.2025-13.2.2026, fixed-term and full-time Salary: gross 1.430,00 €/ month
We consider it an advantage if the intern has the opportunity to receive subsidy from the educational institution.
COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT
The Communications Assistant works as a close part of the festival’s communications team. The job description includes versatile tasks related to the festival’s communications. The Communication Assistant participates in producing content for websites, social media channels and internal databases. In addition, they participate in the proofreading of communications materials, sending press releases, and managing film credit, image and promo materials. During the festival, they participate in daily communications. The intern is expected to have strong visual and written skills, as well as knowledge of social media. Knowledge of WordPress is an advantage. The job requires strong knowledge of English and Finnish languages. Versatile other language skills are considered an advantage.
We consider it an advantage if the intern has the opportunity to receive subsidy from the educational institution.
DocPoint Film Events Association (in Finnish: DocPoint-elokuvatapahtumat ry), founded in 2001, is a not-for-profit organization that strives to promote creative documentary film and culture in Finland, and creates dialogue between international professionals and audiences. DocPoint – Helsinki Documentary Film Festival is one of the largest documentary festivals in the Nordic countries and the only festival solely dedicated to documentary films in Finland.
Register of personal data: Please note that with this form DocPoint-elokuvatapahtumat ry gathers information about applicants for trainee positions at DocPoint — Helsinki Documentary Film Festival 2026. The information is only accessible to the festival employees and is stored only as long as necessary. At the end of the storage period, the data is destroyed.
DocPoint – Helsinki Documentary Film Festival awarded the best national and international feature films and the best national short films of the year. The winner of the National Competition is Chico Pereira’s 11 Underground. A special mention was given to Seafarers – A Tale of a Young Sailor by Milja Viita. The deeply personal A Want in Her by Myrid Carten won the International Competition. The special mention was given to Klára Tasovská’s film I’m Not Everything I Want to Be. The winner of the National Shorts Competition is Rooms by Antti Lempiäinen. The special mention was given to Marjo Levlin’s essay film Underdog. The Apollo Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Virpi Suutari on the same occasion. All of the winning films are screened at the festival on Sunday, 9 February.
The Winner of the National Competition is 11 Underground by Chico Pereira
Chico Pereira won the National Competition with 11 Underground. The jury stated the following, “For its impressive motivation to drive real changes within society, and for its critical and imaginative approach to storytelling, the film is set to inspire its characters in reacting to injustices that matter to us all. This documentary creates a space where art and the participants of the film interact in an encouraging way to deconstruct basic human rights which resonate with the audience. The film invites us to remember the past, react to the present, and think about the future. The jury is thrilled to give the DocPoint Award for the best national documentary to 11 Underground, directed by Chico Pereira.”
The Award is worth 3000 € and consists of 2000 € equipment rental to Valofirma and 1000 € cash prize from DocPoint.
In addition, the Jury gave a special mention to Seafarers – A Tale of a Young Sailor, directed by Milja Viita. “The jury was sensitive to the care that the director has put into such a story that might have gone unseen otherwise. The clever editing work on the archival footage, portraying this working class at sea sailing towards a tragic loss, reflects on their difficult conditions. The special mention of the National Competition goes to Seafarers – A Tale of a Young Sailor, directed by Milja Viita,” the jury commented.
The jury for the National Competition series includes Bérénice Hahn of the sales company Square Eyes, filmmaker and founder of the Academy of Moving People And Images Erol Mintaş and Hubert Sabino-Brunette, artistic director of the Canadian RIDM Festival.
The Winner of the International Competition is A Want in Her by Myrid Carten
The deeply personal A Want in Her by Myrid Carten won the International Competition. In her debut film Carten goes back to her home in Ireland to search for her lost mother and test her own limits of love.
“To a film that is as much a study of a dysfunctional family as it is a proclamation of unconditional love under extreme circumstances. A raw and unfiltered work, its anarchic cinematography and the dialogue between original shooting and archival material heighten a sense of claustrophobia while drawing us deeper into its world. The jury is delighted to give the DocPoint Award of the International Competition to Myrid Carten for her film A Want in Her,“ the jury described.
The winner will be awarded with a 2000 € DocPoint Prize.
In addition the jury wanted to give a special mention to Klára Tasovská’s film I’m Not Everything I Want to Be. “It is striking how the protagonist’s photographs are transformed into moving images through editing, adding layers of interpretation of the artist’s life and work. Shaped by political events, the film prompts us to reflect on history from a contemporary perspective. The special mention goes to I’m Not Everything I Want to Be by Klára Tasovská,” the jury commented.
The jury of the International Competition includes documentary filmmaker Maija Hirvonen, DokuFest Kosovo Artistic Director Veton Nurkollari and Brazilian filmmaker, actor and director Renata Ferraz.
The Winner of the National Shorts Competition is Rooms by Antti Lempiäinen
The winner of the National Shorts Competition is Room by Antti Lempiäinen. The hopeful film follows Janne, a homeless streetwriter.
“The winning film does not just tell the story of one individual, but rather, with its careful narrative choices, opens a window, through which our everyday environment appears to the audience from the perspective of the film’s protagonist. The film views its main subject as a multidimensional person, not reducing them solely to their challenging situation. The poetic, wandering, collage-like form, and reflective pace of the film, allowed time to experience the world of another person. While skilfully throwing the spotlight on an increasingly relevant issue, it is also a celebration of resilience and hope,” the jury stated.
The winner will be awarded with a 1000 € rental equipment prize to Valofirma.
In addition, the jury gave a special mention to Marjo Levlin’s essay film Underdog. “The film propelled the viewer boldly through many weighty themes, ultimately tying everything together in a powerful way, and connecting the viewer with various aspects of hierarchy in this world. An intense and moving, visually beautiful film,” the jury commented.
The jury of the National Shorts Competition includes filmmaker Iiti Yli-Harja, PhD researcher and filmmaker Kazu Ahmed and artist Maija Blåfield.
https://www.docpoint.ee/test/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/A-Want-in-Her-05-scaled-1.jpg10801920https://docpoint.ee/dev/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/logo_gray-300x155.png2025-02-08 20:38:002025-12-02 17:14:47DocPoint’s National and International Competition Winners Announced
This year’s DocPoint Documentary Film Festival gathered more volunteer applications than ever before – due to the popularity the call had to be closed earlier than planned. Altogether 124 enthusiastic volunteers aged 17–76 were chosen to work at the festival. The multitude of volunteers’ tasks ranged from ticket sales to ushering and from driving to communications. We visited the volunteers to find out what brings them to the festival.
Community-enthusiast Ruusu returns to a familiar task
Ruusu Kallioinen – ticket sales
What made you apply as a volunteer to DocPoint this year?
I have volunteered at DocPoint since 2019. I have also volunteered at the Love & Anarchy film festival and the Midnight Sun Film Festival. Usually I have worked at ticket sales, but I have also been a theatre supervisor and an usher. After several years of volunteer work I look forward to meeting familiar faces and the community that has formed at festivals, but most of all I am eager to use my free tickets to see the films of DocPoint.
Which film are you particularly excited for?
I haven’t decided my full schedule for the week, but I am at least looking forward to Mikki Noroila’s Karelian language short film Yritin šuaha hänet kuvah onnakko hiän kato.
Photo: Alejandro Ramirez
First-timer Aliisa was driven by their passion for films
Aliisa Ylikoski: Communications
What made you apply as a volunteer to DocPoint this year?
Films are an important hobby for me and I spend most of my free time watching them. I wanted to experience something new, catch a glimpse of work in the culture sector and since I only moved to the Helsinki area recently, I also wanted to meet new people. I work with marketing and communications, so the communications team appealed to me the most.
What are your tasks at the festival like?
I have done all kinds of assisting communications tasks both at the DocPoint office as well as at the theatres participating in the festival. I have, for example, translated texts, written social media posts, interviewed festival-goers and photographed material for social media.
Which films are you planning to see yourself?
Today, on the opening day of the festival, I’m planning to see the film Housewife of the Year. That is one of many films I find interesting.
Manuel is intrigued by the Finnish film scene
Manuel Díaz Tufino: Info desk
What made you apply as a volunteer to DocPoint?
I became a volunteer for the opportunity to see films, meet new people and see the vibe of the Finnish film industry. This is my first time at DocPoint, but I have volunteered once at Love & Anarchy, also at the info desk.
What is the most interesting part of your volunteer post?
The most interesting aspects of the info desk are to learn Finnish by working and interacting with people. Also, it’s interesting to be where the festival happens and experience it more deeply instead of just passing by briefly as a visitor.
Which film or films are you most looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to the film A Family, which explores very painful tensions and conflicts within a family. I’m also eager to see the film Apple Cider Vinegar since I share the filmmakers’ fascination with stones. Preemptive listening also seems really interesting, alarm sounds are a fascinating topic. Also, the amount of Q&As at Docpoint surprised me! It’s great to hear more about the film from its creator.
Photo: Giovanni-Ferri
Roberto gets energized by meeting like minded people
Roberto Puentes: Photographer
Have you volunteered before and what made you apply this year?
This is my second time volunteering at DocPoint festival. I have also volunteered at the Love & Anarchy film festival and I am actively involved in the Cinemaissí film festival that showcases Latin American film.
The community formed around film festivals motivates me to be an active part in them. Interacting with people who share similar interests gives me energy. I obviously love films and I find documentaries a very important form of film. Through them you can convey important portrayals of societies at a certain time and of people.
What is working as a photographer at DocPoint like?
I move from one theatre and event to another and try to capture the atmosphere of the festival on camera and communicate through photographs and video. I enjoy photographing and being behind the camera and observing situations. For me, photographing at Docpoint does not even feel like work – I really enjoy it. I’m always having fun; I get to see familiar faces, meet new people and to contribute to the work of the Finnish film industry.
What kind of people would you recommend working at DocPoint for?
Anyone who is interested in stories and people, and who feels like they would be able to contribute to the festival. Other factors, like age, gender or background, do not matter. That is what’s best about this.
Which films at DocPoint do you recommend?
I really enjoyed An Echo of You. It was so refreshing to see elderly people on screen and hear their stories. White House Effect was also great. It was actually almost sad to see how long climate change has been discussed, but it is important that it is continuously brought up. I am also looking forward to the film Wisdom of Happiness – having moved from Mexico to Finland I have seen two very different approaches to happiness. I would also like to recommend the 20th Cinemaissi film festival happening next autumn.
Photo: Alejandro Ramirez
Lili enjoys checking tickets and sharing the experience
Lili Eweis: Vahtimestari
Have you volunteered before and what made you apply this year?
I have meant to apply for many years, but have always missed the call. But now I’m here! I have also volunteered at other festivals before, so the work is familiar.
Which tasks are included in your volunteer post and how have you liked them?
I inspect customers’ tickets and introduce the film. We also clean the biggest trash after each screening. I really like ticket inspection: There’s something fun seeing people in a film-going-mood and being able to say “welcome, enjoy the film” to them.
What is the best thing about volunteering?
I like being able to get to know the industry and movie theatres this way. The reward of getting to see films is also great – it’s really worth it. I also love meeting people who share similar interests. And all the customers who come to the screenings, we share something together at that moment.
Which film are you most looking forward to?
I am most excited for the film I’m Not Everything I Want to Be. I also saw Lesvia, it was really good.
Photo: Elsa Meklin
First-timer Gisela volunteered for her interest in films
Have you volunteered before and what made you apply this year?
This is my first time ever volunteering at any film festival. This is a nice place to start and I gain useful experience. I am interested in films and thought that this would be a nice experience.
Which tasks are included in your volunteer post and how have you liked them?
The major task is the ticket inspection, and introducing the move to the audience. So far I have liked it a lot, it is really fun. It has been nice to meet people and everyone has been in a good mood.
Which film are you most looking forward to?
I am most excited for the films Two Forests and I’m Not Everything I Want to Be.
Volunteers Are a Vital Part of DocPoint
The volunteers at DocPoint are the heart of the festival, and their contribution is invaluable to its success. Volunteers not only take care of practical arrangements but also bring joy, a sense of community, and enthusiasm. The festival’s executive director, Johanna Råman, emphasizes the importance of volunteer work for DocPoint and its audience:
“Volunteers play an absolutely vital role in making DocPoint happen. Without them, none of this would be possible. In uncertain times, people long for meaningful encounters. It’s fantastic if our festival can be a unifying and community-building experience for our volunteers from diverse backgrounds.”
Volunteers bring a wide range of skills to the festival, some of which the organizers could never have anticipated, making their contributions even more valuable. Different backgrounds and experiences enrich the event in many ways:
“It’s amazing how volunteers bring in expertise that we didn’t even expect. DocPoint volunteers have very diverse backgrounds and skills. The best part is when we can match these skills with the right tasks, allowing volunteers to gain meaningful experience. It’s also wonderful to hear that volunteers have met each other through their work and made new friends along the way,” says Riikka Haapanen, volunteer coordinator and former volunteer.
If this year’s DocPoint inspired you to volunteer, now is the perfect time to follow the festival’s channels! Next year’s volunteer application process will open at the end of the year, and the first to hear about it will be those following DocPoint’s social media and subscribing to the newsletter. Don’t miss the chance to be part of a unique festival community!
https://www.docpoint.ee/test/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/250207-alejandro-ramirez-general-atmosphere-12-scaled-e1739030405517.jpg9501450https://docpoint.ee/dev/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/logo_gray-300x155.png2025-02-08 16:14:002025-11-26 16:15:12A community behind the scenes – Volunteers make DocPoint happen
