Tallinn Black Nights Festival

The Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, also known as PÖFF, is an annual event held in Tallinn, Estonia, since 1997. It is the only festival in Northern Europe or the Baltic region accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Association (FIAPF) for holding an International Competitive Feature Film Program. Over the years, PÖFF has grown to become one of the largest film festivals in Northern Europe, with over 250 feature-length films and 250 short films and animations from 80 different countries screened annually. The festival attracts more than 80,000 attendees, making it a significant cultural event in the region.

PÖFF is not just a feature film festival but also a platform for animated films, student films, and children/youth films, making it a comprehensive showcase of world cinema in all its diversity. The festival's primary focus is on European films, providing a friendly atmosphere for interaction between the audience, Estonian filmmakers, and their colleagues from abroad. The festival's growth can be attributed to its courage, will, and desire to see beyond the horizon, constantly broadening its view of the world.

The festival's main programme includes competitive and non-competitive sections, with awards presented for Best Feature Film, Best Director, Best First Feature Film, Best Rebel With A Cause, Best Short Film, and Best Baltic Feature Film, among others. The festival also presents the Lifetime Achievement Award, Audience Award, International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) Award, and NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) Jury Award.

PÖFF is more than just a film festival; it is a meeting point for film professionals and talents from around the globe, with Industry @ Tallinn & Baltic Event running alongside the festival. The industry platform offers meetings, projects presentations, masterclasses, workshops, conferences, talent labs, and networking opportunities, making it an essential component of the festival.

The Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival is a significant cultural event in Northern Europe, showcasing a comprehensive selection of world cinema and providing a platform for film professionals and talents to connect and collaborate. The festival's growth and success can be attributed to its courage, will, and desire to constantly broaden its view of the world, making it a timeless event that continues to attract and engage audiences and industry professionals alike.