The Helsinki Effect

Synopsis

In July 1975, 35 world leaders gathered in Helsinki for the Cold War-era CSCE summit. The Helsinki Effect is a witty, all-archival essay film that deconstructs this misunderstood diplomatic milestone. Using rare footage and AI-generated voices of Brezhnev and Kissinger, it explores how a grand political performance turned into a turning point in world history—unpacking Cold War myths with sharp insight and a dose of dark humor.

Directors' Biography

Arthur Franck, the son of Finnish journalist and documentary filmmaker Michael Franck, lives in Helsinki with his three children. After completing his bachelor's degree, he has been working as a writer and director since 2004 and runs the production company Polygraf with Sandra Enkvist.