Zaida Bergroth Leads the Sixth Söderlångvik Masterclass– Nordic Directors and Actors Invited to Apply

Applications are now open for the sixth Söderlångvik Masterclass, organised by Helsinki International Film Festival – Love & Anarchy and Amos Anderson Fund. Taking place 17–20 September on Kimito Island and in Helsinki, Finland, this autumn’s edition will be led by acclaimed Finnish director Zaida Bergroth. A group of twelve Nordic directors and actors will have the opportunity to join an intensive three-day residency exploring one of filmmaking’s most essential creative relationships: the collaboration between directors and actors.

One of the Nordic region’s most distinctive contemporary filmmakers, Bergroth is internationally recognised for her deeply human and emotionally rich cinema. Her films, including The Good Boy, Miami and Maria’s Paradise, all premiered at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival. Her internationally celebrated biopic Tove, about the creator of the Moomins, was Finland’s official submission for the Academy Awards and earned Bergroth numerous accolades, including the Finnish Film Academy Award for Best Director and Best Picture. 

Throughout her career, Bergroth has developed a distinctive directing practice centred on trust, presence and close collaboration with actors, resulting in performances of remarkable authenticity and emotional depth. The sixth edition of the Söderlångvik Masterclass offers participants a rare opportunity to step inside Bergroth’s creative process. Rather than treating performance as something to perfect, the workshop explores how directors and actors can discover a character together through curiosity, openness and genuine presence.

“I’m excited and honoured to lead this edition of the Söderlångvik Masterclass. I’m looking forward to spending three days exploring the creative process between directors and actors through conversations, practical exercises and shared discoveries. I hope we all leave the weekend feeling inspired”, says Bergroth.

Set against the serene Söderlångvik grounds on Kimito Island, once home to arts patron and film enthusiast Amos Anderson, the masterclass provides an inspiring setting for concentrated creative exchange through discussions, practical exercises and shared reflection.

The call is now open for directors and actors based in the Nordic countries. The application deadline is 12 August at 23:59 EEST. More information about the programme, eligibility criteria and the application process can be found at hiffindustry.fi/open-call.

The Söderlångvik Masterclass is a residency initiative developed by Amos Anderson Fund in collaboration with Helsinki International Film Festival – Love & Anarchy. Launched in 2024, this autumn’s event marks the sixth edition of the masterclass. Previous masterclass leads include actors Trine Dyrholm and Alma Pöysti as well as directors Tarik Saleh and Magnus von Horn.

For more information:

Inka Hietala
Söderlångvik Masterclass Curator
inka@hiff.fi

Lydia Taylerson
Head of Industry
lydia@hiff.fi

Andy Cadia
Industry Communications Specialist
andy@hiff.fi