Taiwan’s cultural association (GACC) is hosting an unforgettable night in Helsinki on November 27 to celebrate the metal scenes of Taiwan and Finland in all their diversity. F:F:F: – Formosa : Finland : Fest, held at Tiivistämö, also marks the beginning of a new chapter in cultural diplomacy, as it coincides with the arrival of Taiwan’s new ambassador to Finland – none other than Freddy Lim, a professional politician but also the driving force behind one of Taiwan’s most iconic metal bands, CHTHONIC (picture below).
“I’m absolutely thrilled to return to Finland after more than a decade – this time as Taiwan’s official representative. While Finns may recognize the historical and geopolitical parallels between Finland and Taiwan, through F:F:F: you’ll also see that both our nations are masters at producing quality Metal! Let’s strengthen our diplomacy through music and culture,” says Freddy Lim.
Founded in 1967 and led by the President of Taiwan, the GACC has organized major cultural export projects around the world – from India to the United States – over the past decade. The six-band evening in Helsinki also includes an exclusive reception for media and invited guests, featuring culinary delights by Taiwanese celebrity chef Soac, as well as cutting-edge fashion from designers Jenn Lee and INF (aka Wei Kuo). Their creations, alongside live visuals by VJ Asking Lee, will also feature on stage during the free concert event.
“While F:F:F is focused on music, we’ve fine-tuned every detail to ensure the richness and diversity of Taiwanese culture shines through. We invited two fashion designers to shape the visual identity: JENN LEE, known for her bold and experimental style, and INF, whose work fuses deconstruction with Taiwanese cultural elements. Visual artist BlackZao brings graffiti art to amplify the energy of each performance, and VJ Asking Gee – a veteran of international festivals and electronic music stages – creates a global visual language for the metal performances. F:F:F is not just a concert – it’s a celebration for the ears, eyes, and taste buds, where you can truly experience ‘The Flavor of Taiwan,’” says secretary-general, Lee Hou-ching.
F:F:F is also part of “Taiwan European Culture Connect 2025,” a year-long program launched by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Culture. So far, the GACC has organized over 70 Taiwanese cultural events across 26 European countries. In Finland, heavy metal serves as a loud and powerful voice for intercultural dialogue. The F:F:F visual identity continues the theme of the colon – a symbol of dialogue, connection, and collaboration.
Under the aurora-lit Nordic skies, the small mountainous island of Taiwan and Finland, the land of a thousand lakes, may be separated by nearly 8,000 kilometers and more than 40 degrees of latitude – yet these two nations are united by a shared belief in democracy, freedom, and human rights – universal values that transcend borders.
“This isn’t just a concert – it’s a new form of cultural export that marks the beginning of deeper exchange. Through music, we share not only melodies but also our shared values of freedom, diversity, and human rights.”
Tickets are now available here:
https://kide.app/events/8a75a8f3-e84f-41be-8383-364a3c869821
Please note: a smart device with internet access is required to claim your ticket. A service fee of max. 0.95€ may apply. Price includes VAT.
“Rising from Peaks. Roaring across Lakes. United on One Stage.”
F:F:F — Formosa : Finland : Fest
Tiivistämö, Helsinki
November 27, 2025 – 6:00 PM
18+ event
LINEUP:
🇫🇮 KORPIKLAANI
🇹🇼 CHTHONIC feat. OLLI VÄNSKÄ 🇫🇮
🇫🇮 LOST SOCIETY
🇹🇼 FLESH JUICER
🇹🇼 CRESCENT LAMENT
🇹🇼 SONIA CALICO