Join us 4–8.2.2026 on five days filled with films!
Mingle with industry colleagues, meet old and new friends, get inspired by premieres and pre-screenings, and take part in exciting conversations with national and international filmmakers and industry profiles.
Ostrobothnia Film Fest is a film festival in Vaasa, Ostrobothnia, featuring film screenings, talks, workshops, and opportunities for the film industry and audiences to connect.
The festival was launched in 2024 and has since grown into a recurring meeting place for film in the region. This year, we’re bringing you an even broader programme and new opportunities to connect through film.
Note! We actively update the programme whenever changes occur. We recommend checking the schedule here on the website to stay up to date.
Explore the full programme: Discover the times for industry networking, film screenings, premieres, inspiring discussions and speakers during the Ostrobothnian film festival weekend.
Kick-off with students’ day!
Tickets can be purchased at the Ritz 20 minutes before the first screening.
Short films are free, feature films are 10€/ticket or 2 or more tickets för 8€/ticket.
If you are a student, you can purchase the “Student’s Choice”-film ticket for only 5€!
09:30 – 11:00
Free – Ritz, main hall
Creators event at 09:30-15:00 in Startup Factory, and silent film concert at 19:00-20:45 in Ritz!
Registration for the day event is now finished, but there are still tickets available for the silent film concert.
Ari Pulkkinen: Making Music for Games
10:00 – 11.00
Free – Startup Factory
Hamnet
17:00 – 19:10
8-10€ – Ritz, main hall
The networking day/industry day begins at 9:30 a.m. with coffee. Discussions and presentations with guests will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
At 4 p.m., the Golden Hare Award will be presented to a group or individual who has made a significant contribution to the audiovisual industry in Ostrobothnia. Read more at the Q&A.
In the evening, there will be films, film discussions, mingling and partying!
10:00 – 10:45
Free – Ritz, main hall
11:00 – 11:45
Free – Ritz, main hall
12:45 – 13:30
Free – Ritz, main hall
15:00 – 16:00
Free – Ritz, main hall
Lunch at Ernst [pre-registration]
11:45 – 12:45
14-16€ – Restaurant Ernst, at Wasa Teater
Golden Hare – Award Ceremony!
16:00 – 16:05
Free – Ritz, main hall
Networking event at Platform with Kvarken Film Hub
16:30 – 19:00
Free – Platform, near Ritz
A day filled with films: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. short films and discussions with the filmmakers, and 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. feature films, with the premiere of the “Film of the Year” at 7:00 p.m.!
Tickets can be purchased at the Ritz 20 minutes before the first screening.
Short films are free, feature films are 10€/ticket or 2 or more tickets för 8€/ticket.
Tickets can be purchased at the Ritz 20 minutes before the first screening.
Children’s films are free, feature films and pre-screenings 10€/ticket or 2 or more tickets for 8€/ticket.
15:30 – 17:00
8-10€ – Ritz, main hall
Programme: Check out the full programme with premieres, inspiring industry days for filmmakers, public discussions and our Children’s Day!
Here we have compiled answers to everything you need to know about tickets, programme times, industry days and how to best enjoy the festival in Ostrobothnia.
Events and films are primarily hosted at Ritz Vaasa (read more at ritz.fi):
– Kirkkopuistikko 22A, 65100 Vaasa
The Thursday Creator’s Event is held at StartUp Factory (read more at uwasa.fi):
– Universitetsstranden 10, 2a våningen, 65200 Vaasa
You can read more about our accessibility at Ritz.fi
The hall is on the second floor, but a stair lift is available, and an accessible toilet is located on the first floor.
There is an induction loop in rows D-G in the auditorium, and where possible, films are shown with subtitles.
Audio description is available for a number of domestic films via the MovieReading app, but it may not be available for short films and independent films.
Please contact Ritz or StartUp Factory (regarding availability on Thursday) if you have any questions.
Film screenings and events during the film festival usually cost €10 but may vary, and all guest events and short films are free. Please check specific programmes for pricing.
We also sell serial tickets, 2 or more for 8€/ticket!
All purchases are binding, and tickets for film screenings are sold on site. Unfortunately, no refunds are offered, but film screening tickets can be used for other screenings during the festival.
The film festival runs from 9:30am to 9:00pm on Wednesday-Friday and from 12:00pm to 10:00pm on Saturday-Sunday. An after-party will be held on the networking day on Friday. Please register in advance to receive a badge, a lunch spot, and a place at the after-party!
Otherwise, you are free to come and go (drop-in) at all programme events, and tickets for the film screenings are sold on site during the day.
The schedule on this website is updated regularly if changes occur. Follow Ritz and Film i Österbotten on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news.
The events are held in Swedish, English and Finnish. Due to Vaasa’s bilingualism, some discussions may be held in several languages simultaneously. See the details for each individual event to find out which language will be used.
Everyone is welcome! We have programmes for industry professionals, filmmakers, students and the general public.
There will be plenty of time to network with industry professionals and filmmakers throughout the festival!
We arrange Q&A sessions with the filmmakers after certain screenings – see the programme for details.
Social events and parties are also organised where you can mingle and network.
The Golden Hare Award will be presented on Friday at 16:00.
The Golden Hare was established in 2024 and is an award given to a group or individual who has made a significant contribution to the audiovisual industry in Ostrobothnia. It recognizes efforts that strengthen and develop the region’s film and media landscape.
The award is presented by Film i Österbotten, Ritz, Finlandssvenskt Filmcentrum and Filmcentrum Botnia. The Golden Hare sculpture was created by artist Paula Blåfield. Each Golden Hare is handmade and unique.
Get in touch here on the website or contact us at the Ritz! There are many benefits to volunteering, including discounted tickets to almost all Ritz events!
We welcome collaborations and can offer advertising space and visibility. Please feel free to contact us!