Festival announces film selections

The Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) has revealed the lineup for its Baltic Film Competition, Critics’ Picks, and Rebels with a Cause sections for its 30th edition. The festival will run from 6 to 22 November and will showcase 31 films, including several world and international premieres.

Baltic Film Competition highlights regional and international collaboration

The Baltic Film Competition features 12 films from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, as well as international co-productions. Five of the films are directed by filmmakers outside the Baltic countries, though Baltic professionals have contributed to their production.

Selection reflects diverse genres and themes

The competition includes a variety of genres such as political drama, comedy, film noir, punk-rock-driven drama, and science fiction with Asian influences. It also shows visible support for Ukraine through its films.

Competition history and prize details

The Baltic Film Competition was first introduced in 2008 and re-established in 2018. The winner of the Best Baltic Feature Film Award will receive a €5,000 grant sponsored by Piletilevi. The jury includes Mariette Rissenbeek, Paul Gallagher, and Ali Vatansever.

Critics’ Picks highlights emerging and established filmmakers

The Critics’ Picks Competition, curated by Nikolaj Nikitin, presents ten world premieres by emerging and established filmmakers. It focuses on distinctive auteur cinema, genre experimentation, and dialogue with film history.

European co-productions featured in Critics’ Picks

Among the European co-productions are Apart by Stelana Kliris, One Month by Maya Vitkova-Kosev, and Mo Amor by Eeva Mägi. The jury includes Heike-Melba Fendel, Jurgis Matulevičius, and Hakim Zejjari.

Rebels with a Cause returns with experimental films

The Rebels with a Cause section returns with nine world premieres exploring unconventional approaches to filmmaking. It was launched in 2017 and is curated by Javier García Puerto, who champions filmmakers challenging cinematic conventions.

International talent featured in Rebels with a Cause

Among the titles are Beril_XXX by Can Evrenol and Sounds of the Desert by Emilija Škarnulytė. The jury includes Jason Wood, Samuel Abrahams, and Mireia Vilapuig.

Complete list of selected titles provided

The festival has released a full list of selected titles, including entries in the Baltic Film Competition, Critics’ Picks, and Rebels with a Cause sections.