Page 242 - Alternative Europe Eurotrash and Exploitation Cinema Since 1945

e s p o o ciné

C H A P T E R 1 9
T H E E S P O O C I N É I N T E R N A T I O N A L F I L M F E S T I V A L

Tuomas Riskala

The Espoo Ciné International Film Festival has been running for over 14 years and its growing
popularity shows best in its increasing audience figures. Since 1997 the Festival has attracted way over
20,000 people each year, with over 23,000 attendants being our record so far.
The Festival has established itself as the primary showcase of contemporary European cinema in
Finland. From children's features and gruesome horror treats, to small art-house efforts and major
productions, the Festival's aim is to take a thorough look at the new cinema from the old continent.
On average there are over 100 screenings during the six festival days in late August, which has been the
calendar place for Espoo Ciné for all its existence. Over 80 per cent of the films shown are European
productions.
Though clearly a European-cinema-driven event, Espoo Cine's annual selection does not abide
to geographical borders or to thematic boundaries. The ever-growing fantasy and horror sections will
attract everyone hungry to stimulate their imaginations. The acclaimed US indies shown each year

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