Finnish Director AJ Annila Develops ‘Helsinki 1939’ Series Following ‘Shadow Lines’ Success

Soviet bombs rained down on Helsinki in 1939, while an unlikely alliance formed under the elegant roof of the neo-Renaissance Hotel Kämp. There, best-selling Finnish novelist Mika Waltari crafted strategic falsehoods for the Finnish Propaganda Unit, working alongside war correspondents including the renowned American journalist Martha Gellhorn, who would later become Ernest Hemingway’s wife.

These compelling historical events will form the backbone of “Helsinki 1939,” a new six-part drama series directed by acclaimed filmmaker AJ Annila. The project, which has secured an order from streaming service Elisa Viihde for Finland and Estonia, is set to be pitched at the Tallinn TV Beats Co-financing Market on November 17.

Produced by Take Two Studios’ Eero Hietala and Sara Norberg, the series represents Annila’s continued exploration of sophisticated, visually striking historical narratives. Annila’s previous work includes genre films “Jade Warrior” (2006) and “Sauna” (2008), as well as high-end series like the period piece “Shadow Lines,” which was distributed internationally by About Premium Content to territories including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom through Sundance Now.

“I literally fell in love with the ‘Helsinki 1939′ concept when producer and Take Two Studios CEO Eero Hietala first pitched it to me,” Annila told Variety ahead of TV Beats. The project’s genesis came from Hietala’s friend, author and former crime detective Kimmo Nokkonen, who discovered the little-known story of Finland’s wartime propaganda efforts.

“He had stumbled on the topic, which proved to be a Pandora’s box of incredible real-life characters,” Hietala explained. “The fact that Mika Waltari was leading the propaganda unit added to my interest. He’s the most legendary, albeit at times troubled, Finnish author.”

Though Annila had been considering a feature film after directing three consecutive series – “Peacemaker,” “Shadow Lines,” and “Codename: Annika” – he couldn’t resist the unique perspective offered by this story. “We’ve had a lot of great films about the Winter War, but frankly the classic takes were getting a bit boring. By telling the 105 days of war through the amazing true and colorful stories that unfolded at Helsinki’s Hotel Kämp, you have a fresh angle. On top of that, a very topical subject matter which is propaganda.”

Annila draws parallels to contemporary conflicts, referencing the “Ghost of Kyiv” story from Russia’s war against Ukraine. “That pilot never existed. But the question is: Did that fabricated story actually help or harm the cause of Ukraine? I find this question of war-time propaganda fascinating!”

The luxurious Hotel Kämp – which still stands today – will serve as the series’ central setting, a microcosm where Finland’s fate was shaped amid the chaos of war. The hotel housed more than 40 war correspondents and Finnish information officers, alongside other notable figures and staff members. Annila describes the tone as “colorful, emotional, brave, dark and light,” adding, “I will contrast the lavish lives of the hotel dwellers, partying and dining with the horrors of war. A bit like in ‘Titanic,’ you will see the band playing until the end, while the world around is sinking.”

Elisa Chief Content Officer Ani Korpela expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We’re thrilled to work with AJ Annila again. He previously directed the Elisa Viihde original series ‘Shadow Lines,’ a Cold War era spy thriller that became a domestic hit in Finland and was widely distributed internationally. ‘Helsinki 1939’ continues that trajectory, a truly authentic international project designed to resonate with audiences in Finland and around the world.”

Elisa executive producer Sari Lampiänen added, “What could be a better combination than AJ Annila’s unique vision and bold, fun cinematic style paired with world-changing events that still resonate today? For us, it’s essential that our original series are both entertaining and meaningful, reflecting the world around us.”

The project has received development support from Helsinki-based fund management IPR.VC as part of a multi-title slate. At Tallinn’s TV Beats Co-Financing Market, Take Two Studios will seek co-production partners, gap financing, and distributors.

“Helsinki 1939” is among seven high-end international series competing for the prestigious Council of Europe Series Co-Production Development Award, worth €50,000 ($58,600). The TV Beats Forum runs November 17-18 in Tallinn as part of the Black Nights Film Festival’s Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event conference.