The 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) kicks off on November 10, 2025, in Estonia, showcasing a diverse lineup of global cinema that promises to engage and challenge audiences. Festival head Tiina Lokk and her team have curated a selection that includes world premieres, regional gems, and innovative films from the past year’s festival circuit. Among these are a range of unique stories that explore various themes, from political aspirations to cultural clashes.
Spotlighting Unique Narratives
One of the standout films is Electing Ms Santa, an observational documentary from Moldova. Directed by Raisa Răzmeriță, it follows Elena, a 42-year-old woman with dreams of becoming mayor. Set against the backdrop of Moldova’s aspirations to join the European Union, Elena organizes community clean-ups and supports the elderly while wearing a Santa Claus costume to spread joy. The film captures her struggles against traditional expectations as she pursues her ambitions over a span of seven years.
In a different vein, The Baronesses (Les Baronesses), co-directed by Nabil Ben Yadir and Mokhtaria Badaoui, presents a heartwarming tale of empowerment through Shakespeare. The film features four grandmothers in Brussels who decide to stage a performance of Hamlet. The narrative highlights the journey of Fatima, who, after facing setbacks in her life, reignites her passion for theater, promising the audience both fun and magical realism.
Exploring the Absurd and the Real
Another remarkable entry is Scarecrows, a documentary by Laila Pakalniņa that delves into the unexpected interactions between humans and wildlife at Riga International Airport in Latvia. This film whimsically portrays a team of “runway rangers” who engage in a comical battle against nature as they attempt to maintain safety amidst the constant flow of air traffic.
The festival also features a psychological twist with Interior, the debut film from German director Pascal Schuh. This unsettling narrative follows Kasimir, a burglar who uses a couch with a hidden compartment to film the private lives of his victims. The film raises questions about voyeurism and the complexities of human emotions, offering a thought-provoking viewing experience.
The Estonian documentary My Family and Other Clowns provides a glimpse into the personal lives of world-famous clowns, Haide and Toomas, known as Piip and Tuut. Their children, who have spent years growing up without their parents, grapple with feelings of neglect and ambition as they navigate their unique family dynamics.
In a more dramatic exploration, 18 Holes to Paradise, directed by João Nuno Pinto, presents a family faced with tough decisions about their father’s house amid a wildfire crisis. This Portuguese film reflects on societal changes and the impact of environmental issues while intertwining family drama.
Unique Cultural Perspectives
The festival also introduces K-Poper, the feature debut of Iranian director Ebrahim Amin. This film tells the story of a teenage girl in Iran who dreams of attending a K-pop concert in Seoul, clashing with her mother’s conservative views. The narrative offers an intriguing perspective on cultural aspirations and generational conflict.
The lineup also includes Backstage Madness, a Kyrgyz slapstick comedy that humorously depicts the challenges of filmmaking through the eyes of a seasoned director. This film promises absurdity and laughter, showcasing the trials faced in the creative industry.
Lastly, The Megalomaniacs, directed by Spiros Stathoulopoulos, is a subversive satire that explores the chaos of artistic ambition and personal desire. The film features an archaeologist and a potter whose collaboration spirals into a battle of wits and ambition, promising a captivating viewing experience.
The Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival is set to be a vibrant celebration of film, bringing together stories that reflect the complexities of human experience across various cultures. As the festival unfolds, audiences can anticipate a rich tapestry of narratives that challenge conventions and provoke thought.
