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Finnish director Samppa Batal finds sadness in romance and romance in sadness in the Helsinki-set “Apple Thieves.”

“I see it as a romantic dramedy,” he says.

“I believe we should embrace sadness [in relationships] because it will come. The problems start when we refuse to admit it. I don’t remember when, but I have learned to embrace it and live through it, and it doesn’t feel that bad.”

In the (mostly) black-and-white film world-premiering at Helsinki International Film Festival – Love & Anarchy – previously, it was presented at its industry sidebar Finnish Film Affair – Sebe (Joel Hirvonen) is going through a devastating breakup in the middle of the pandemic.

Forced to go out with his friends, he meets Satu (Satu Tuuli Karhu). Sparks fly, even with their masks on, but they are both terrified of starting anything new.

“With the actors, we talked a lot about where these characters come from and what they fear.

New projects from Jenni Toivoniemi, Jon Blåhed, Erol Mintaş and Ester Martin Bergsmark are among selection

The Finnish Film Affair (Ffa), Helsinki International Film Festival’s industry strand, has unveiled the line-up for its market showcase of Nordic films and Finnish series running September 20-22.

Among the 31 projects selected is Jenni Toivoniemi’s comedy Butterflies, the director’s second feature after Games People Play which was also presented at the Ffa.

Also being showcased is Jon Blåhed’s new feature Raptures; Erol Mintaş’ Earth Song; Ester Martin Bergsmark’s Land Of Ferns; and Marika Harjusaari’s The Mire from the producer of Hatching.

This year’s Nordic International Film Festival is changing locations.

With dates set for Oct. 16-20, the fifth annual event will move to the Roxy Cinema at The Roxy Hotel in New York. Panels and parties will take place at the Park Avenue outpost of the Stockholm museum Fotografiska.

Started by two Swedish born filmmakers based in New York, Linnea Larsdotter and Johan Matton, the festival boasts its status as the “biggest film festival outside Europe.” The silent theme for this year’s progressive official program is climate change.

Niff will present one world premiere, six international premieres, two North American premieres, one U.S. premiere and 11 New York premieres among its multiple programs. 79 percent of the films to be shown this year also include at least one woman in power. Additionally, the festival promises a focus on up-and-coming talent to screen in its Aurora Borealis category — part of its...