Söderlångvik Masterclass brought together Nordic filmmakers under the guidance of Tarik Saleh

During the three-day retreat, Saleh openly shared his experiences in filmmaking through interactive workshops. Over the weekend, participants discussed identity and engaged in exercises where directors and actors stepped into each other’s shoes, deepening their understanding of each other’s professions and creative collaboration from script to screen.

With guidance from Saleh and the moderator, Variety journalist Marta Balaga, the masterclass fostered an intimate atmosphere in which participants could reflect on their personal careers and openly share their thoughts and perspectives.

“This masterclass, it sounds almost like an idea too good to be true to gather people from Scandinavia to meet, and to discuss our craft. What happens is actually something quite magical, because we are so different in Scandinavia. Our countries are very, very different culturally, but when we meet something bigger happens. And I think we see ourselves in this new prism, and that creates something that is bigger than ourselves. So I am very thankful for having been part of this,” Saleh sums up the weekend.    

The fourth Söderlångvik Masterclass brought together a diverse group of talented filmmakers from all Nordic countries. The participants’ varied professional backgrounds, career paths, and broad geographical representation provided them with a rewarding weekend, offering ample opportunities for future collaboration. Two of the participants, actor Saga Sarkola and director Ima Iduozee, praised how Saleh managed to create an open and safe atmosphere and told how the masterclass has broadened their perspectives on how other people think and do art.  

“I’ve been  and have also been able to surrender to the experiences and energies of such wonderful people,” Sarkola tells. 

“It was inspiring for me to be with these really ambitious, competent people who have really different perspectives and backgrounds. I’m sure a lot of the things and tools I’ve learned in the masterclass will find their place in my process over the next few years,” Iduozee adds.

The Masterclass was attended by directors Ima Iduozee (Finland), Malin Nyqvist (Finland), Suvi West (Finland), Gagga Jónsdóttir (Iceland), Anton Petersen (Faroe Islands), Ville Gideon Sörman (Denmark), and actors Joonas Saartamo (Finland), Elsa Saisio (Finland), Saga Sarkola (Finland), Amed Bozan (Sweden), Thea Sofie Loch Næss (Norway), and Doreen Ndagire (Sweden).

Eagles of the Republic received a full audience at the Love & Anarchy Film Festival

Saleh is known for his distinctive visual style, bold storytelling and complex characters navigating tense political realities. His latest film Eagles of the Republic premiered in the Main Competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and has been selected as Sweden’s official Oscar submission. The suspenseful film follows Egypt’s most adored actor, George Fahmy, who suddenly falls into disgrace with the authorities.

Eagles of The Republic was also screened to a full audience in Bio Rex Lasipalatsi as part of the Love & Anarchy festival on Sunday, 21 September. The special Behind the Scenes screening wrapped up the fourth Söderlångvik Masterclass. Following the film, the audience had a unique opportunity to follow a discussion between Saleh and Balaga, which explored the themes and challenges of making the film, as well as the importance of cinema. 

A fundamental  principle of the Söderlångvik Masterclass – and a core focus of the Helsinki International Film Festival’s industry initiatives – is to foster collaboration among Nordic filmmaking professionals.