Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event, the business summit for film and audiovisual professionals, together with PÖFF Shorts, an Academy Award, BAFTA and EFA-qualifying short film festival, are launching Shorts Industry Shortcut, a guiding platform for emerging filmmakers.
The two-day event, which takes place during the Black Nights Film Festival in Tallinn, 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.
Tara Karajica, head of Shorts Industry Shortcut, described the inaugural programme as the epitome of a film industry shortcut: "The PÖFF Shorts Competition programmes have always been strong, so it was high time the festival got its industry arm to guide emerging filmmakers and give them a nudge in the right direction. Whether you're just starting out in the film industry with your first short film or you've already moved on to feature films, the Shorts Industry Shortcut will provide you with the necessary tools, people and pointers to navigate the (short) film circuit in the easiest and coolest way possible. The Shorts Industry Shortcut is the perfect stepping stone not only for the festival circuit in general, but also for PÖFF and Industry@Tallinn &; Baltic Event. I hope everyone comes away with something useful, a handful of business cards and wonderful memories!"
Shorts Industry Shortcut's busy programme starts with a masterclass by Croatian filmmaker and artist Martina Meštrović, who will explore her extensive work in sculpture and animation, organised in collaboration with EKA. The "In Conversation" session will feature Anna Hints and Tonia Mishiali, two of today's most acclaimed directors, who will discuss their respective careers as women in today's film industry and moving between formats. The programme also includes the panel discussion "Short Films, a Click Away" with Sari Volanen from Yle, Amos Geva from T-Port and Alexandra Gramatke from the Hamburg Short Film Agency, focusing on the exhibition of short films in cinemas, on television and on streaming platforms. The presentation "Festival Ecosystem 101" will demystify the short film circuit in the presence of five movers and shakers from the short film industry,
The Shorts Industry Shortcut programme also includes a speed-dating session between short film professionals and filmmakers. During the "Would You Buy This?" session, selected short film directors will be invited to screen the first three minutes of their films (already in competition at PÖFF Shorts) and receive live feedback from short film distributors and sales agents who will assess their market potential. This event simulates a realistic situation in the film industry and demonstrates how professionals evaluate films submitted to them.
In addition, Shorts Industry Shortcut joins forces with Go Long! to offer a lecture by script consultant Anna Ciennik, who will discuss important aspects of script development.
Finally, the success stories of the Baltic short film industry will be highlighted - Rimantė Daugėlaitė (Lithuanian Shorts), Diāna Trope (Latvian Short Film Agency), Laima Graždanoviča (2ANNAS Short Film Festival) and Mirjam Mikk (Estonian Film Institute) will discuss some of the most successful Baltic short films of recent years, examine how the Baltic states have positioned themselves globally and explore the future of new Baltic talent.
The Shorts Industry Shortcut panel discussions and masterclasses will take place from 14 to 16 November. Check out the programme here. The events are open to everyone with a PÖFF badge, an Industry@Tallinn &; Baltic Event accreditation or a day ticket.
