With the extensive focus programme, the festival celebrates the 70th anniversary of German Films and the 25th anniversary of the Goethe-Institut in Estonia. The institute has been PÖFF’s partner and the presenter of German film highlights since 1999.
The focus programme comprises 15 new German films and 3 retrospectives, including three world premieres and three international premieres in various competition programmes.
The managing director of German Films, Simone Baumann, shared her joy about the focus: "We greatly value the film festival, as one of the A-festivals, because many German talents have started their international careers here and will hopefully continue to do so in the future."
Regarding the German Focus, PÖFF’s industry arm Industry@Tallinn &; Baltic Event will hold two dedicated events at TV-Beats Forum, and a co-producing presentation.
PÖFF28 OPENING CEREMONY
PÖFF28 Opening Ceremony is taking place on Friday the 8th of November at 7 pm at Alexela Concert Hall!
This year, in addition to the fancy photo shoot, ceremony and opening film, several special surprises await the guests. Come and celebrate the start of one of the most important cultural events of the year!
Find the tickets HERE!
The evening will be hosted by Doris Tislar and Jan Ehrenberg, with a special touch added by warm clay mugs featuring characters from Casablanca. At this exclusive ceremony, the world premiere of Riho Unt's brand-new animated film Casablanca will be screened, accompanied by live music. In addition, the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Bruno O'Ya Young Actor Scholarship will be presented.
After the opening, all guests are invited to the after-party at Club Monument (Vana-Posti 8).
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CEREMONY
The Opening Film of the festival "Long Story Short" by David Dietl
The festival’s opening film "Long Story Short" is a comedy by German director David Dietl that delves into the complexity of human relationships, proving that love and friendship are the most precious gifts in life.
The screening will take place on the 8th of November at Alexela Concert Hall after the Opening Ceremony!
Nikolaj Nikitin, the festival programmer, has described the film as follows: “Our German opening film is a feel-good comedy with strong dramatic elements, which works internationally thanks to its high emotional level, terrific cinematography and a joyful, diverse cast. The original title “Feste & Freunde” translates as “Feasts and Friends”, which is the theme of the film.
READ MORE ABOUT THE FILM HERE!
ALL EYES ON : PÖFF SHORTS
The first Short Industry Shortcut fosters the new generation of filmmakers
Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event, the business summit for film and audiovisual professionals, together with PÖFF Shorts, are launching a guiding platform for emerging filmmakers.
The Shorts Industry Shortcut runs from 14 to 16 November and is open to everyone with a PÖFF badge, an Industry@Tallinn &; Baltic Event accreditation or a day ticket.
The two-day event Shorts Industry Shortcut aims to support the careers of a new generation of filmmakers in the short film industry, while at the same time taking a closer look at current trends in (short) film and strengthening ties between the Baltic and international short film communities. The event will be filled with masterclasses, inspiring panel discussions with industry leaders and networking opportunities.
Check out the programme HERE.
PS. Some of the events require additional pre-registration, so make sure you secure your place!
READ MORE ABOUT THE EVENT HERE!
PÖFF Shorts has revealed the 2024 edition of REBELS WITH THEIR SHORTS
A Great Rebellion of Shorts: a total of 14 short films and animations will be screened in the 2024 edition of Rebels With Their Shorts that defies filming conventions. Most films are premiered in the Baltics, and not all rebels are strangers to PÖFF Shorts.
"These short and animated films of a more experimental kind take a closer look at the tensions of the modern world as well as specifically the working mechanisms of film and filmmaking," as summed up by the organizers.
PÖFF Shorts sees the return of Maxime-Claude L'Écuyer with "Dinosauria, We" and Sion Thomas with "Mauled by a Dog".
You can also read the interview with the Head of PÖFF Shorts' animation programmer Vassilis Kroustallis.
The geographical range of Critics' Picks sidebar includes countries like Bhutan, Ecuador and Kazakhstan. "I am sure that the directors and artistic teams, which we present, will be known to an international cinema audience in the near future. PÖFF's Critics' Picks gives them a safe haven to present their work and to be discovered internationally," elaborated Nikitin.
"The filmmakers who come to our Rebel Area, don't fight or rebel for anything, they've already won," says Javier Garcia Puerto, the main curator of the programme. "They expose their crisp ideas, concerns and proposals in a very authentic, attractive and personal way, making them universal through a daring way of challenging the current norms of standard, industrial cinema."
Launched in 2017, the competition strand has become increasingly popular with festival audiences. "It's a candy for the audience," comments Puerto.
Programme details will be available from the 1st of November.
