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My Name is Hope, directed by Sherwan Haji,is a short film capturing the timeless struggle between oppressor and oppressed in an era where forgetfulness becomes the deadliest weapon against freedom. It is the newest film by the Syrian-Finnish actor, filmmaker and writer.

The prize, amounting to NOK 20,000 (ca. 1 700 euro), is provided by CAPA and awarded to the production team behind the best graduation film from the Nordic film schools.

The Lightning Rod (Matalapaine), directed by Helmi Donner got an honorable mention. It is a poetic horror drama about a young mother on the run from her poisonous relationship, and her grandmother who has her own wounds too. Earlier this year, the film was selected to the official section of the Cannes Film Festival for short films made in film schools.

The Haugesund Film Festival jury quite exceptionally honored also Aalto University for the work the ELO Film School “has put into fostering so much talent and providing much needed hope for the future of the industry”. The jury praised the variety of films from ELO and predicted that Finland will be producing the most interesting stories in the coming years.

The film festival was organised for the 53rd time this year. From ELO Film School, altogether five films were selected to New Nordic Films - Nex Nordic Generation – best graduate film competition: 

MY NAME IS HOPE, 2025, fiction, dir. Sherwan Haji, MA film

MATALAPAINE (The Lightning Rod), 2025, fiction, dir. Helmi Donner, MA film

RECAST, 2025, fiction, dir. Severi Vilkko, BA film

ASTRO TV, 2025, fiction, dir. Magdaleena Jakkila, MA film

ETSIJÄT (Seekers), 2025, animation, dir. Helena Hyvärinen, MA film

Congratulations to all in the film crews, ELO Film School and Aalto University!