The Finnish-Icelandic alliance will kick off with a co-production of ‘Tango Metal,’ set to premiere at the Finnish Film Affair.
Helsinki-filmi and Glassriver have officially announced their collaboration on a new project titled Tango Metal, initiated to enhance production ties between Finland and Iceland. This partnership aims to create a series of films and television productions tailored for both markets. The announcement was reported by Variety on September 22, 2026.
This co-production aims to merge the creative strengths of two prominent Nordic content creators. Helsinki-filmi is known for acclaimed films such as Tom of Finland and The Summer Book, while Glassriver has made its mark with titles like As Long as I Live and Black Sands. The collaboration symbolizes a response to the current challenges facing independent film producers in Europe, particularly as they seek reliable partnerships in an increasingly unpredictable industry landscape.
The inaugural offering from this new alliance will be Tango Metal (Rautamurhat), a Finnish crime drama that intertwines elements of romance, dance, and heavy metal. The show will be pitched at the Finnish Film Affair during the Helsinki International Film Festival. The series revolves around Finnish crime reporter Paula, who travels to Reykjavik to uncover the truth behind her brother's ritualistic murder. Along the way, she teams up with local detective Bjarki, who contrasts with her character in many ways.
Showrunner Mia Ylönen, known for her work on Codename: Annika, has plans for a six-part series that showcases the significant cultural and emotional contrasts between the characters. The show is expected to start production later this year.
Mia Ylönen articulated the advantages of this partnership by highlighting complementary strengths in storytelling and production capacity. Given the financial challenges faced by media companies in Europe, she stated that collaboration is essential. Both companies are currently in advanced discussions with various commissioners in their respective countries to secure funding and finalize production plans.
Andri Ómarsson, CEO of Glassriver, echoed these sentiments, stressing that international relationships are key to project viability. He noted that with current trends in broadcasting and streaming leaning towards co-commissioning strategies, this partnership aligns well with evolving market needs.
In addition to Tango Metal, the two companies have ambitious plans for other co-productions. Upcoming projects include a Finnish near-sci-fi adventure film and a television series from Iceland based on an original narrative. Specific details about these projects will be announced pending financing agreements.
Both Helsinki-filmi and Glassriver have a slate of other projects, indicating a promising future with multiple titles in development. Glassriver’s upcoming lineup also includes the crime series Elma, expected to premiere soon, while Helsinki-filmi is working on Dead Women Talking, which has already commenced production.
The partnership between Helsinki-filmi and Glassriver not only highlights the growing trend of cross-border collaborations in the European film industry but also emphasizes how creative alliances can serve as a strategic response to financial uncertainties. By pooling resources and expertise, both firms aim to expand their reach and deliver compelling content that resonates with audiences in both Finland and Iceland—and beyond. This initiative sets a promising precedent for other independent producers looking to navigate the evolving landscape of global entertainment.
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