Interview: Heta Okkonen & Mika Koskinen

The call for projects is once again open for the Euro Connection co-production forum, and Finnish short film projects can apply to the event held during the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival through Tampere Film Festival.

But what is it really like to take part in this event, and what can participants gain from the experience? Tampere Film Festival interviewed director Heta Okkonen and producer Mika Koskinen, who took part in the event with their short film project Red or Black earlier this year. Their project was selected as the Finnish finalist and was chosen by an international jury to the event among other finalist projects from across Europe.

To start off, could you tell us a bit about yourselves?

Heta: I’m a director and animation artist originally from Oulu. I studied animation at the Arts Academy of Turku University of Applied Sciences and graduated with a Master of Arts from Aalto University in 2023. Right now, I’m working on two new short films, creating tufted textile art, spending time near water on my bike, and, as always in autumn, experiencing inexplicable feelings of wistfulness.

Mika: I’m an animation director and producer based in Helsinki. Like Heta, I also studied animation at the Arts Academy in Turku – in fact, we were in the same class. I’m following in her footsteps in another way, too: I’m currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Animation at Aalto University and expect to graduate in spring 2026.

Over the years, I’ve worked as a freelance director, created my own short animations, and been involved in larger animation productions as well. Together with Tomi Riionheimo, I produced Heta’s previous short animation Gravitaationi (My Gravity).

With what kind of film project did you apply to Euro Connection?

Heta: Red or Black is a hand-drawn short animation for young people and adults, and it will go into production around the end of the year. It’s a coming-of-age story about a girl who escapes the horrors of puberty into a house of cards she has built for herself. There, she can safely take her first steps toward adulthood by mimicking the roles of Queens. Eventually, the house and the roles within it become too cramped, and she must break free from them in order to find her own path.

Mika: Red or Black continues Heta’s strong voice in animated storytelling and is a visually rich film about femininity, sexuality, and breaking free from the limiting roles imposed by society. It’s a tightly constructed piece, and the story works beautifully in the short animation format.

It’s both a personal and a universal story, and very much reflects its director’s voice. The film is a step up in ambition and scale compared to My Gravity, and as the producer, I’m really excited about this opportunity.

What was the application process like?

Mika: I saw the call for Finnish projects on Tampere Film Festival’s social media and website, and immediately thought we should apply with Heta’s film. The application guidelines were clear, and overall, the process was relatively light.

In November, we were delighted to find out that our film had been selected as the Finnish finalist and moved on to the next stage, where an international jury reviewed the selected projects from different countries.

Heta: Thanks to Mika’s work, the application process was very smooth for me as the director. I was in a residency in Denmark developing the film at the time, so I already had material prepared in English. I created some concept art and wrote about the project. Everything felt new and exciting, and once we were selected as the Finnish finalist, I was already thrilled.

Mika: When the film was then selected for the actual Euro Connection event, our excitement grew even more. The Euro Connection team sent us clear instructions and detailed information about how to prepare for the event, and we were also offered online mentoring sessions.

Dare I say – being on stage and pitching the project was actually fun?

– Mika Koskinen

 

What was it like to present your project to an audience? How did the pitch go?

Heta: It was definitely nerve-wracking – I had never pitched before. Even though I don’t usually suffer from stage fright, I have to admit this made me nervous. I stared at the floor until it was our turn so I wouldn’t lose focus.

Once we were on stage, it felt like the audience was on our side and responded really warmly. There was a great atmosphere in the room, and I completely trusted Mika.

Mika: For me, presenting the project felt quite easy because the story and Heta’s visual material are so strong – I knew they would capture the audience’s attention. The cherry on top was the amazing themed accessories Heta had made based on the film, which got a lot of compliments during the event.

The only thing I was slightly unsure about was whether I, as the producer, could be “convincing” enough – whether I could talk credibly about the timeline, budget, and practicalities in front of other professionals.

Heta: In the end, I think the pitch went surprisingly well – but to be fair, we did practice.

Mika: We rehearsed the presentation remotely a few times before the February event, and in Clermont-Ferrand we practiced our parts again on location. I truly believe that all that preparation, combined with the very supportive and encouraging atmosphere at the event, helped keep the nerves in check when it really counted.

Dare I say – being on stage and pitching the project was actually fun?

Heta: We got great feedback, and people seemed genuinely excited and interested in the project. During the break after the pitch, several people came up to us to talk and ask when we could be in touch. Someone even wanted to buy the vest I was wearing!

Attendees at the event can also book meetings with the pitchers, so even though the pitch itself only lasts seven minutes, the following days are full of opportunities to make connections.

What was your overall experience of Euro Connection?

Heta: I can’t praise the organising team enough – we were truly taken care of every step of the way. From the start, we were guided through the process remotely with our assigned mentor, and then on-site in small groups. We went through our materials together and received professional coaching.

The day before the actual pitch, there was a rehearsal session where we pitched in our groups and received last-minute feedback and suggestions. Once we were on site, everything was taken care of from transportation to meals. I’ve never felt so thoroughly looked after, 6 out of 5 stars!

Mika: Euro Connection felt both big and magical, yet also incredibly warm and welcoming. Even before the February event, we received clear instructions from the organisers, and once we were there, everything – down to the meal vouchers – was handled perfectly.

The online mentoring sessions beforehand really helped us get the pitch to a point where, once we arrived, we only needed to make minor tweaks and could just enjoy presenting the project.

Heta: It was sweet to see how true all the talk about comfort and “the audience is on your side here” turned out to be. The atmosphere and spirit were amazing throughout – I’m really glad this was my first pitching experience.

Mika: It was also great to meet the other selected directors and producers and see their pitches. Euro Connection and the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival were visible all over the city, and it was impressive to see how the whole town embraces the event, and how much support short films receive in France.

I’ve never felt so thoroughly looked after, 6 out of 5 stars!

– Heta Okkonen

 

Was the event useful – and what did you take away from it?

Mika: The event was extremely useful, and I would definitely recommend Euro Connection and similar pitching events to anyone looking for an international production company or financing partners. Naturally, we also gained valuable presentation experience, and all the preparation work contributed directly to the film’s pre-production process.

The day after the pitch, we had one-on-one meetings at the Short Film Market with producers who were interested in the project. We also received several emails and meeting requests through the event catalogue on the website and at the event. It was great to see that not only our project, but also the idea of international collaboration with a Finnish production company, generated real interest.

We continued conversations throughout the spring via email and online meetings with a few of the companies. As a result, we found a French co-production company, and together we’ve applied for international co-financing from CNC.

Heta: Of course, finding a French co-producer for the project was a fantastic outcome. But even if we hadn’t, this trip would still have been absolutely worth it in terms of learning and experience.

Every contact and meeting opens a door to a world you might have thought was out of reach. And because self-promotion can feel uncomfortable, it’s a big deal when someone actually books a meeting with you based on genuine interest in collaboration. It makes everything feel a lot less awkward.

What else did you get to do in Clermont-Ferrand besides Euro Connection?

Mika: The first three days of the event were mostly focused on preparing for the pitch itself. Still, we managed to visit a few events at the Short Film Market and explore the exhibitor stands.

Heta: At the Market, we met a lot of new filmmakers and festival representatives. We also listened in on some of the other pitches – and naturally, we made time to visit the local cheese shop.

Mika: We also attended a cocktail event hosted by the Finnish Film Foundation and Yle, as well as a joint Nordic dinner, where we had a chance to connect with other filmmakers from the Nordic countries.

I even managed to attend one animation screening, which wasn’t exactly easy, given our packed schedule. The screenings at the festival are extremely popular, with people queuing up hours before they even start.

Heta: I unfortunately got sick during the trip, so after the scheduled meetings I was pretty much out of commission. All the hot parties in the evenings were left in Mika’s hands. And, to my shame, I didn’t make it to a single screening during the festival.

Any advice for future Euro Connection applicants?

Mika: I wholeheartedly recommend Euro Connection to all producers and directors who are aiming for the international market and are interested in co-productions. I believe having clear motivation and goals for what you want to get out of the event really helps.

If you do get selected, make sure to rehearse your pitch. A relaxed and natural presentation really stands out. Of course, there are hundreds of people at these kinds of events, all looking for collaborators, and often films are competing for the attention of the same producers. But if you believe in your project, tailor the pitch to reflect who you are, and deliver it the best you can – anything is possible!

Heta: For me, the whole concept of pitching initially came with a terrible “sales-y” vibe that clashes with my personal view of making art. But in this context, the more personal  European approach felt welcome and even encouraged. It didn’t feel unnatural to be part of it.

And if you make it to the mentoring stage, don’t be afraid to admit if you feel lost. Mika and I were very open about our lack of experience, and that honesty got us extra guidance and support.

Good luck to everyone applying!

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Euro Connection is a platform designed for European producers, broadcasters, distributors and financial backers. The pitching and networking event aims at fostering partnerships between European production companies around quality short film projects. 

The event will take place on 3–4 February 2026 during the Short Film Market in Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival with support from Creative Europe MEDIA and PROCIREP. The deadline for application is 20 October 2025.

See how to apply:

Application guidelines – Euro Connection