In 1975, at the height of the Cold War, leaders from thirty-five countries gathered in Helsinki for
a conference on European security. Historians claim the event played a significant role in the
eventual fall of the Iron Curtain, yet despite worldwide attention at the time, it was soon
forgotten. Was it nothing more than tedious diplomatic theater, or did it bring about meaningful
agreements? Sifting through archival footage, the director crafts a satirical account of the
political backstage and asks: what is the true significance of diplomacy, and how does it resonate
in today’s Europe?
Arthur Franck
Arthur Franck was born in Finland, where his documentaries have received national awards.
Together with producer Oskar Forstén, he co-founded the production company Franckforsten.
His latest film, Helsinki Effect (2025), premiered at CPH:DOX.
In 1975, at the height of the Cold War, leaders from thirty-five countries gathered in Helsinki for
a conference on European security. Historians claim the event played a significant role in the
eventual fall of the Iron Curtain, yet despite worldwide attention at the time, it was soon
forgotten. Was it nothing more than tedious diplomatic theater, or did it bring about meaningful
agreements? Sifting through archival footage, the director crafts a satirical account of the
political backstage and asks: what is the true significance of diplomacy, and how does it resonate
in today’s Europe?
Arthur Franck
Arthur Franck was born in Finland, where his documentaries have received national awards.
Together with producer Oskar Forstén, he co-founded the production company Franckforsten.
His latest film, Helsinki Effect (2025), premiered at CPH:DOX.
a conference on European security. Historians claim the event played a significant role in the
eventual fall of the Iron Curtain, yet despite worldwide attention at the time, it was soon
forgotten. Was it nothing more than tedious diplomatic theater, or did it bring about meaningful
agreements? Sifting through archival footage, the director crafts a satirical account of the
political backstage and asks: what is the true significance of diplomacy, and how does it resonate
in today’s Europe?
Arthur Franck
Arthur Franck was born in Finland, where his documentaries have received national awards.
Together with producer Oskar Forstén, he co-founded the production company Franckforsten.
His latest film, Helsinki Effect (2025), premiered at CPH:DOX.