Our Mission
KordAva Production is a Helsinki-based cultural production organization dedicated to advancing Middle Eastern and North African music, film and culture through high-quality artistic production, collaboration, and international exchange.
We create and support projects that bring together artists, musicians, communities, and audiences across cultural and geographical boundaries. Our work is rooted in the richness and diversity of Middle Eastern and North African musical traditions while embracing contemporary artistic practices and new forms of expression.
We provide platforms for artists to develop their work, reach new audiences, and build meaningful connections in Finland and internationally. Through concerts, festivals, films, recordings, workshops, residencies, and collaborative projects, we create spaces where different artistic traditions can meet, evolve, and generate something new.
KordAva’s mission is to make Middle Eastern and North African music, film and culture a vital, visible, and evolving part of Finland’s cultural landscape and international artistic exchange.
ME Jam Festival
Our annual highlight, ME Jam Festival, brings together artists from Finland and around the world to celebrate music, dance and cultural connection. In August 2026 the festival was held for the eleventh time, as a six-day celebration in Helsinki. The 12th ME Jam Festival takes place on 14–19 August 2027.
Film production
In 2024 KordAva expanded into film production. Our first feature, The Soldier (2025), directed by Gian Majidi, has been selected for 36 international film festivals and has won 5 awards, including Best Feature Film at the SCA Los Angeles International Film Awards and Best Director at the Ideal International Film Festival. Our second feature, 7/9, a Helsinki story set on a city tram line, is currently in production. Read more about our films →
KordAva Records
KordAva Records is our music label. Its first release, Mustien perhosten silta by Mood Suprim, created together with three Sámi joik artists, comes out in October 2026 on vinyl and cassette. Read more →
Artists and community
Our work centers on producing intercultural collaborations, supporting selected artists, and developing artistic projects that weave together traditional and contemporary expression. KordAva represents a group of talented artists whose work explores identity, migration, and belonging, creating performances that are at once deeply rooted and boldly innovative.
In addition to concerts and productions, KordAva is actively engaged in community and educational work. We organize music and art workshops in reception centers, schools, and public spaces, supporting the wellbeing and self-expression of refugees, newcomers, and local participants alike. Through these activities, we promote empathy, dialogue, shared creativity, and art as a path toward belonging.
Partners
Our network of collaborators and supporters includes the City of Helsinki, Lapinlahden Lähde, Mieli ry, Interkult ry, Global Music Centre, and Miitti ry, among others. Together, we foster an inclusive and sustainable cultural ecosystem that values equality, diversity, and participation.