06/02/2025 - The Finnish sales agent is heading to the EFM brandishing Constanze Klaue’s debut in Perspectives, the Panorama-selected Dreamers and the IFFR-premiered Orenda

The Yellow Affair is set to make a strong impression at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival (13-23 February) and the accompanying European Film Market (EFM, 13-19 February) thanks to a diverse line-up that reflects its commitment to global storytelling. With a slate featuring award-winning filmmakers, debuting talents and powerful narratives, the Helsinki-based sales agent continues to solidify its reputation in the international film market.

Heading the line-up is Punching the World, the debut feature by Constanze Klaue, which has been selected for Perspectives, the Berlinale’s newly introduced first-feature competition. Adapted from Lukas Rietzschel’s acclaimed novel, the German drama follows the lives of two brothers growing up in Saxony amid sociopolitical tensions. As their town faces an influx of refugees, the siblings take divergent paths, one withdrawing into himself, the other succumbing to violent ideologies. Produced by Flare Film and Chromosom Film, the movie promises a gripping exploration of alienation, radicalisation and the struggles of youth in contemporary Europe.

Continuing its strong focus on socially relevant narratives, The Yellow Affair is presenting Dreamers, a poignant UK drama written and directed by Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor. The film follows Isio, a Nigerian migrant caught in an immigration detention centre after living illegally in the UK for two years. As she navigates the brutal realities of the system, her growing relationship with her fellow detainee, Farah, forces her to reconsider what she’s willing to risk for freedom. With a cast led by Ronke Adékoluejo (Rain Dogs) and Ann Akinjirin (I May Destroy You [+see also:
series review
series profile]), the film offers a timely reflection on migration, resilience and love.

The company’s selection for the EFM market screenings includes Orenda [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Pirjo Honkasalo
film profile], the highly anticipated new film by veteran Finnish director Pirjo Honkasalo (Concrete Night [+see also:
trailer
film profile]). Selected for the Big Screen Competition at IFFR, the Finnish-Swedish-Estonian co-production is a tense emotional thriller set on a remote island, exploring themes of guilt, grace and an invisible force that connects all living beings. Starring Golden Globe nominee Alma Pöysti (Fallen Leaves [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile]) alongside Pirkko Saisio and Hannu-Pekka Björkman, Orenda was also selected for the Göteborg Film Festival’s Nordic Competition and will open the Tampere Film Festival as well.

On the documentary front, The Yellow Affair is introducing Ellis Park, a deeply personal film directed by Justin Kurzel (True History of the Kelly Gang [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile]), at the EFM. The doc follows legendary musician Warren Ellis, member of The Dirty Three and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, as he balances his musical career with his passion for wildlife conservation. The film provides an intimate look at Ellis’s sanctuary in Sumatra, where he and conservationist Femke den Haas work to rescue trafficked and mistreated animals. With a mix of observational storytelling and personal insights, Ellis Park sheds light on the intersection of art, activism and environmentalism.