The decision by FIAPF to accredit Black Nights as one of the festivals with thematically and geographically unlimited competition has considerably widened the reach of the international competition programme. “At the same time the logic of the programme hasn’t changed,” assures festival director Tiina Lokk. “Powerful films by renowned masters compete with debuts that might get a push for their international breakthrough at the Black Nights.”

The interest of filmmakers to save the premieres for one of the last festivals of the year has grown annually. “This year Black Nights has a record breaking four International and six European premieres in the International competition. There are also six Scandinavian premieres in the competition,” which according to Lokk speaks of the trust by filmmakers. The special feature of this year’s competition is the selection of countries represented – like South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, India, Japan and others.

According to the director of Black Nights there are six strong debut films in the competition. The oldest director comes from the current focus country – Poland - Jerzy Stuhr (67) began his acting career in the early 1970’s. His latest directing piece “Citizen” is only his sixth feature film.

“I would also like to point out the new film by Takashi Miike ‘Over Your Dead Body’. One of the most celebrated Japanese directors, Miike has made almost 100 films. Of European premieres it’s worth to keep an eye on ‘Move’ by Marat Sarulu from Kyrgyzstan that represents the unknown new wave of Central Asia. The youngest director in the international competition is Estonian Martti Helde with ‘In the Crosswinds’.”

International competition programme of the Black Nights Film Festival 2014:
 
International premiere:
·       “Apostle”  (South-Korea, Director Kim Jin Moo)
·       “Go On Living” (Mexico, Director Alejandra Sánchez)
·       “Valley” (Israel, Director Sophie Artus)
·       “Citizen” (Poland, Director Jerzy Stuhr)
 
European premiere:
·       “Move” (Kyrgyzstan, Director Marat Sarulu)
·       “Elephant Song” (Canada, Director Charles Binamé)
·       “Inferno” (Slovenia-Croatia, Director Vinko Möderndorfer)
·       “Taksu” (Japan-Thailand-Indonesia-USA, Director Kiki Sugino)
·       “The Theory of Everything” (United Kingdom, Director James Marsh)
·       “Today” (Iran, Director Reza Mirkarima)
 
Scandinavian premiere:
·       “Angels of Revolution” (Russia, Director Alexey Fedorchenko)
·       “In the Sands of Babylon (Iraq-United Kingdom-Netherlands-United Arab Emirates, Director Jabarah Al-Daradji)
·       “Lucifer” (Belgium, Director Gust van den Berghe)
·       “Margarita, with a Straw” (India, Director Shonali Bose)
·       “Over Your Dead Body” (Japan, Director Takashi Miike)
·       “Yvone Kane” (Portugal-Brazil-Mozambique, Director Margarida Cardoso)
 
Baltic premiere:
·       “Itsi Bitsi” (Denmark, Director Ole Christian Madsen)
 
Estonian film:
·       “In the Crosswind” (Estonia, Director Martti Helde)
 
The international competition films will be judged by the international jury: Mark Axelrod (USA), Kati Outinen (Finland), Andrei Proshkin (Russia), Elina Reinold (Estonia), Benson Taylor (United Kingdom) and Tomas Wasilewski (Poland).

The grand prix of the best film includes a 10000 euro grant by the city of Tallinn. The best director, best actress, actor and cinematographer will be awarded. The international film critics’ jury (FIPRESCI) will give a special award as well as the ecumenical jury.

Next to the international competition programme there are three more competitions at the Black Nights: five films are running for the Estonian Film award, ten films each for the Tridens Baltic Sea and Nordic debut film competition and the North American film competition.

The International Film Producers’ Association has designated Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival as a non-specialized competitive festival. Black Nights Film Festival is the 15th international film festival to be inducted to that category by FIAPF. The most influential film festival of the European North Eastern region takes place from 14th to 30th November. Tickets will be on sale from 7th November.