This blog post was written by our student ambassador Beata, who is a student of the Integrated Engineering programme at Taltech.
The Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) is one of the most prestigious cinema events globally. It holds the honor of being an A-category film festival, a status shared by only 15 festivals out of over 4,000 worldwide. This elite recognition places it alongside iconic festivals like Cannes, Berlin, and Venice, making it one of the important movie festivals in Northern Europe, Baltics.
From November 8–24th, this year, it’s showcasing an amazing lineup of films. Including eleven, from my home country, Lithuanian productions: seven feature films and four shorts. Impressively, four of these will have their world premieres at the festival. Estonia, as the host country, has also made a big contribution, collaborating more with international filmmakers to produce unique cinematic shots. Among the standout Estonian entries in my opinion are "Shadow," a historical drama directed by Jaak Kilmi, and "Rebel with a Bow Tie," directed by Jaan Tootsen, both premiering at the festival.
Meeting with Edvinas Pukšta
One of the festival’s most dynamic figures is Edvinas Pukšta, a film programmer and critic from Lithuania. I had the privilege to speak with him recently. From the first few minutes of talking about his passion for cinema, Edvinas proved that it is boundless. He plays a crucial role in shaping the festival’s diverse and thought-provoking film selections, helping to ensure that PÖFF maintains its world-class reputation.
Edvinas is not only a cinephile who has watched over 1,200 movies (and counting), but he’s also a vibrant presence in Tallinn’s cultural scene. Each morning, his Facebook followers are treated to posts documenting his cold-water swims with producers, composers, and actors visiting the festival. It’s a unique ritual that shows his energetic approach to life and his ability to connect with the global film community.
Often referred to as a "self-made man," Edvinas’ way of living is an inspiration for me. Starting with nothing, he immersed himself in cinema, learning through extensive movie viewing, analysis, and self-education. His dedication and expertise have brought him widespread recognition in the festival world. He’s also known for his playful humor. One of my favorite joke from the meeting was about people who sit in makeshift front rows at screenings: “They see the movie first, because it comes to them first!” Beyond cinema, Edvinas believes in achieving dreams—whether programming films, climbing Kilimanjaro, or visiting the locations where movies were actually filmed. He lives from one city to another, always traveling, always experiencing, and never stopping.
Highlights of PÖFF 2024
This year’s festival offers a diverse selection of cinematic offerings. In my opinion, the most attention required movies are:
- "Johansu": a Lithuanian documentary exploring a striking cultural phenomenon in Japan where individuals intentionally live in complete isolation for years, avoiding any contact with society. This deeply introspective film highlights the psychological and societal impacts of such choices, leaving audiences surprised and reflective. (Jōhatsu)
- "100 Liters of Gold": a Finnish-Italian co-production directed by Teemu Nikki, this film follows two middle-aged sisters, renowned sahti-makers from Finland, who must find 100 liters of sahti within 24 hours after consuming their entire supply meant for their sister’s wedding. (100 liitrit koduõlut)
Why PÖFF Matters?
The Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival isn’t just about movies, it’s about creating connections and improving cultural exchange. It’s where filmmakers, critics, and fans come together to celebrate the art of cinema. By watching films from different countries, you can learn about their culture, understand their challenges, and feel their stories. With its elite A-category status, a lineup of impressive films, and vibrant personalities like Edvinas Pukšta leading the charge, PÖFF continues to be one of the best film festivals in the world.
Find out which international degree programmes are available for you in Estonia.
Read more blog posts:
- Get to know Estonian universities through virtual tours!
- 7 benefits of studying abroad
- Studying in Estonia: Frequently Asked Questions