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The Finnish Film Foundation has awarded nearly €2.2 million in funding to support 16 upcoming film projects. One of the biggest highlights is Halima, a powerful new film by Somali-Finnish filmmaker Naima Mohamud. The project received the largest grant — €738,000 — and marks a historic moment, as Mohamud becomes the first Black Finnish woman to direct a full-length feature film.
Halima is a touching coming-of-age story set in 1990s Finland. It follows a 10-year-old Somali girl who tries to find her place in a new and unfamiliar country. Through her love for pop music, dancing, and Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio, young Halima begins to make sense of the world around her. The film captures both the joy and struggles of growing up as an immigrant child in Europe.
The story explores important themes such as identity, friendship, and belonging. It reflects what it’s like for a child to grow up between two cultures — trying to fit in while holding on to where she came from. Told through the eyes of a curious and hopeful young girl, Halima offers a fresh and emotional look at life in a foreign land.
Produced by It’s Alive Films, Halima brings a new perspective to Nordic cinema. It gives a voice to young immigrants, especially those from African backgrounds, whose stories are rarely seen on screen. The film had already gained attention before production began — it won the Best Pitch Award at the 2023 New Nordic Films event in Norway, showing early promise and catching the eye of film professionals across Europe.
Naima Mohamud has been part of the Finnish film industry for years, mostly working behind the scenes as a writer and creative contributor. With Halima, she steps forward as a director, bringing her own personal and cultural experiences to the screen. Her debut is not just a personal win — it’s a major step forward for representation in Finnish and Scandinavian film.
Alongside Halima, two other films also received support from the Finnish Film Foundation and stand out for their unique storytelling.
The film Bloodsuckers, directed by Elin Grönblom, was awarded €150,000. It tells the story of Johanna, a mother who escapes to a quiet forest cabin for a family vacation. What starts as a peaceful break takes a strange turn when she finds herself enjoying mosquito bites. The film uses symbolism to explore personal freedom and how people change in unexpected situations.
Another film, Flight From Kabul, received €180,000 in funding. Directed by Sahraa Karimi, an Afghan filmmaker, this Slovak-Finnish co-production tells the intense story of Zibaa, a well-known director who speaks out against the Taliban. As Kabul begins to fall, she must quickly decide whether to flee the country or stay with the man she loves. With just one hour to make a life-changing choice, the film captures the fear and pressure faced by many Afghans during the crisis.
Together, these three films represent different cultures, stories, and voices — all sharing something real and important. They reflect the Finnish Film Foundation’s goal of supporting bold and meaningful storytelling, from all corners of the world.
Halima, in particular, is a standout. It proves that stories about young African immigrants in Europe deserve to be told. Naima Mohamud’s success is not just a win for her — it’s a breakthrough for Somali and African communities across the Nordic region. It opens doors for more diverse voices to be heard and reminds us that cinema is a powerful way to share human experiences, dreams, and struggles.