What happens when you gather in the dark with strangers to watch a film? According to Pauliina Ståhlberg, it’s more than entertainment, it's an act of cultural connection, empathy building, and even social change. In this talk, Pauliina explores how local cinemas influence not just our personal perspectives but the collective consciousness of entire communities. From global storytelling to shared emotional experiences, she reveals why the magic of movies is even more powerful when experienced together. This talk was given at TEDxVaasa under the theme Unseen Forces. Pauliina Ståhlberg is the Executive Director of the Helsinki International Film Festival, Finland’s largest film festival. With a rich background in cultural leadership and international arts diplomacy, she previously served as the Director of the Finnish Cultural Institutes in both Madrid and London. She’s also an acclaimed audiovisual producer behind Netflix’s Nordic Noir hit Deadwind/Karppi. In her free time, she enjoys scuba diving, training karate, and of course, watching films. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In this talk, Zeynep Homan reflects on how life's challenges can lead to powerful turning points. Through her journey as a ceramic artist, she shows how creativity can be a path to resilience and self-discovery. 1975 yılında Almanya’da doğan sanatçı, üniversitedeki artistik seramik heykel eğitiminin ardından yüksek lisans yaparak uzman olmuştur. Uzun yıllar editörlük, yayın direktörlüğü ve reklam yazarlığı yaptıktan sonra, harflerin ve metinlerin dünyasındaki serüvenini toprakla birleştirerek seramik çamuru ile hikâyeler yazmaya başlamıştır. Anadolu’nun kadim birikimini eserlerine yansıtan sanatçı; “Geleceğe Notlar: Düş Zamanı”, “Axis Mundi”, “Çingene Palamutu”, "Ata Ana" adlarını verdiği eserleri ile çeşitli karma sergilere katılmıştır. Heykel çalışmaları yanı sıra özel imzalı sofra koleksiyonları da bulunan sanatçının "Narkuş" koleksiyonu, Kültür Bakanlığı'nca sergilenmektedir. Homan, Bodrum Gümüşlük’teki atölyesinde seramik-heykel dersleri vermekte ve kişisel çalışmalarını yürütmektedir. Bunun yanı sıra, her yıl geleneksel olarak "Çamurdan Çingene" Şenliği’ni düzenleyerek, sanatı doğa ve topluluk ile birleştiren interaktif deneyimler sunmaktadır. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Violence against women is not a tragic certainty; it’s a consequence of silence, inaction, and the invisible norms we’ve come to accept. In this urgent and empowering talk, Elina Viitasaari dismantles the myth that gender-based violence is inevitable. She challenges us to recognize the unseen forces, from everyday attitudes to systemic failures, that allow violence to persist. Most importantly, she reminds us that while violence may feel overwhelming, our actions are powerful, and change begins with what we choose to do next. Elina Viitasaari is an award-winning expert in sexual and gender-based violence, with a career that spans from direct client work on the ground to shaping global policy in UN forums. Her work bridges the personal and the political, grounded in both empathy and action. With a deep commitment to ending violence and building safer, more just societies, Elina continues to lead conversations that turn awareness into impact. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

How do the cultures we move through, and the perspectives we gather, shape who we become? In this inspiring talk, Khin Phyu Cyn Kyi shares her personal journey of growing across borders, embracing change, and navigating identity in unfamiliar spaces. From Myanmar to Finland, she reflects on the power of cultural exchange, the invisible impact of belonging, and how international experiences can help young people find their voice and purpose. Her story is a call to open minds, cross boundaries, and build communities where every background is valued. Maybe after listening to this talk, the next time someone asks you ‘Are you married?’ ‘How much do you earn these days?’, you will have a different perspective. This talk was given at TEDxVaasa under the theme Unseen Forces. Khin Phyu Cyn Kyi, also known as K, is a passionate youth advocate for community development and international collaboration. Originally trained in civil engineering, she now studies international business in Finland and actively participates in global diplomacy programs like SSEAYP, AFMAM, AAYLF, and YSEALI. Through her blog The K Channel and her work with Vaasa for All, she empowers young people to chase their goals, embrace diversity, and grow with confidence in cross-cultural spaces. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Sometimes, the bravest step we take to grow is stepping outside the line we've always known. In this inspiring talk, Rüzgar explores the power of leaving the comfort zone and how that moment can become a true breaking point in one’s life. With a thoughtful perspective and a compelling voice, Rüzgar encourages us all to question, to dare, and to embrace change. A student at TED Bodrum College. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What if the traits we often view as harmful - greed, selfishness, and apathy - could actually be leveraged for good? In this thought-provoking talk, Anu Ennelin invites us to rethink how change really happens in the world of sustainability. Instead of relying solely on idealism or moral obligation, she explores how real, lasting progress often stems from tapping into what truly motivates people. Whether it’s saving money, gaining recognition, or simply doing what’s easiest, these "unseen forces" can become powerful tools for building a better future when guided with intention. This talk was given at TEDxVaasa under the theme Unseen Forces. Anu Ennelin is a Finnish sustainability consultant, certified change leader, and former HR executive whose career spans science, business, and social impact. As the founder of Vastuutakomo, she helps companies, especially SMEs, turn sustainability strategies into meaningful actions by empowering employees at every level. Anu believes that sustainability should be practical, inclusive, and driven by how people actually think and behave, not how we wish they did. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx