Finland’s master of deadpan comedy returns with the story of an unlikely friendship between a Syrian asylum seeker and an elderly Finnish restaurant owner. With hilarious sight gags, poker-faced one-liners and a toe-tapping rockabilly soundtrack, Kaurismäki’s latest film balances his unparalleled wit with a pressing critique of the unforgiving bureaucracy that greets vulnerable asylum seekers in modern-day Europe. Berlin Silver Bear for Best Director.
The Other Side of Hope Toivon tuolla puolen
With hilarious sight gags, poker-faced one-liners and a toe-tapping rockabilly soundtrack, Kaurismäki’s latest film balances his unparalleled wit with a pressing critique of the unforgiving bureaucracy that greets vulnerable asylum seekers in modern-day Europe.
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If You Are Afraid You Put Your Heart into Your Mouth and Smile Wenn du Angst hast nimmst du dein Herz in den Mund und lächelst
Marie Luise Lehner
Tuesday, 23. 06. 2026 / 19:00 / Main Hall
This film explores class differences, belonging, human closeness, and the search for identity – from shame to pride. It is a radically tender coming-of-age story accompanied by a wealth of fresh, alternative music.
Sandbag Dam Zečji nasip
Čejen Černić
Tuesday, 23. 06. 2026 / 21:30 / Kinodvorišče
A story of forbidden love in the Croatian countryside, Sandbag Dam won the Kinotrip Youth Jury Award at Ljubljana International Film Festival (Liffe), as well as four awards at the Pula Film Festival.
God Will not Help Bog neće pomoći
Hana Jušić
Wednesday, 24. 06. 2026 / 18:10 / Main Hall
The second feature film from Hana Jušić (Quit Staring at My Plate) is a darkly poetic neo-Western about a mysterious Chilean woman who brings unrest to a traditional Croatian shepherding community at the beginning of the 20th century. Blending elements of Wuthering Heights, Croatian folklore, and Jane Campion’s The Piano, the film earned its two leading actresses an award at Locarno.