Five years after bringing Le Havre to Cannes, Finland’s legendary director Aki Kaurismäki (pictured) is coming back to the theme of immigration with The Other Side of Hope set to start filming in the fall.

Written, director and produced by Kaurismäki for his company Sputnik Oy, The Other Side of Hope (Toivon tuolla puolen) tells the story of a Finnish travelling salesman and a Syrian refugee whose paths cross in Helsinki. The film co-financed by YLE was granted €750.000 from the Finnish Film Foundation. The domestic release is set for spring 2017. The Match Factory that handles Aki Kaurismäki’s film catalogue is responsible for world sales.

My Best Summer (Saattokeikka), another film about refugees, prejudice and cultural opposites was granted €750.000. The film directed by Samuli Valkama for Solar Films will start filming this summer. Nordisk Film handles domestic distribution.

Star Boys (Tiernapojat) directed by Visa Koiso-Kanttila for Silva Mysterium tells of the impact of sexual revolution in a conservative and religious small town in Northern Finland. The ruthless world of adults is seen through the eyes of a 12-year old boy. The €1.1 million film was granted €700.000. Dragon Film in Sweden is co-producing and YLE is co-financing. The domestic release is set for February 2017.

Thick Lashes of `Lauri Mäntyvaara (Lauri Mäntyvaaran tuuheet ripset) is a romantic comedy directed by Hannaleena Hauru for Aaamu Film Company.  The €1 million film was granted €650.000.