Lights, Camera, Revolution: Challenging the Creative Status Quo

Panelists
Grace Maharaj, CEO/Head of Business and Development & Member of the board WIFT Sweden

Alisha Hasan, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer, Helsinki Film Lab

Fanny Heinonen, Director of Film Tampere and Member of Nordic Film Commissions

Lights, Camera, Revolution: Challenging the Creative Status Quo
The audiovisual industry has long been shaped by deeply entrenched legal frameworks, business models, and production structures, many of which have historically excluded diverse voices. But across the Nordic countries, a new wave of female directors is not just creating bold, resonant works, they are actively challenging the very systems that underpin the creative industries.
In this panel, three trailblazing directors from Finland and Sweden will share how they navigate and disrupt the traditional legal and business landscapes of filmmaking. From copyright and IP control to new forms of financing, collaboration, and ownership, these women are pushing for a more equitable, innovative future for audiovisual storytelling.
Through their experiences, we will explore how questioning industry norms can lead to more sustainable creative careers, more representative storytelling, and new possibilities for the next generation of Nordic creators.
Join us for an urgent and inspiring conversation about reimagining the rules and reshaping the industry from the inside out.