The 29th edition of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) in Estonia has commenced, showcasing a diverse array of arthouse films and festival circuit highlights. Running from November 17 to December 3, 2025, the festival promises an engaging mix of world premieres and intriguing discoveries from the Baltic region and beyond. The festival’s director, Tiina Lokk, has curated a selection of films that challenge conventional storytelling, offering audiences a chance to explore unique narratives.
Among the standout titles is **Electing Ms Santa**, an observational documentary from Moldova. Directed by Raisa Răzmeriță, the film follows Elena, a 42-year-old woman with aspirations to become mayor of her remote village. Over seven years, she organizes community activities while battling societal expectations. “Facing pressure from her family and resistance from her community, she defies the prescribed roles of mother, daughter, wife, and tradition itself,” the festival’s synopsis states. This film shines a light on personal ambition amid cultural challenges.
Another highlight is **The Baronesses** (Les Baronesses), co-directed by Nabil Ben Yadir and his mother, Mokhtaria Badaoui. This film revolves around four grandmothers in Brussels who decide to stage a performance of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Fatima, one of the characters, harbors dreams of theater while navigating her life in Molenbeek, waiting for a new home. The film promises themes of empowerment and the magic of creativity, inviting audiences to engage with the transformative power of art.
In a different vein, **Scarecrows** delves into the interactions between humans and wildlife at Riga International Airport. Directed by Laila Pakalniņa, the documentary presents a comedic yet serious look at the efforts of a team responsible for keeping the runways clear of animals. “Beneath the roar of jet engines and the rush of passengers, an unassuming team wages a constant battle with nature,” the synopsis reveals, blending humor with a poignant commentary on coexistence.
Another intriguing entry is **Interior**, a feature by German director Pascal Schuh. This psychological thriller follows a burglar named Kasimir who films people in their homes without their knowledge. The film explores themes of voyeurism and morality, raising questions about human behavior in private spaces. The festival describes it as a “voyeuristic cinematic journey” that challenges viewers to consider the boundaries of empathy and intrusion.
**My Family and Other Clowns** presents an observational documentary about the personal lives of renowned Estonian clowns, Haide and Toomas. Their children, who have grown up largely without their parents, navigate the complexities of familial duty and personal aspirations. The film captures the dichotomy of public success and private challenges, offering a heartfelt look at the impact of fame on family dynamics.
The film **18 Holes to Paradise**, directed by João Nuno Pinto, engages with environmental and familial themes. Set against the backdrop of a wildfire in Portugal, the narrative explores a family’s heated discussions about their father’s house and legacy. “At its core, the film is about the fire – both literal and metaphorical – that is born from predatory thinking,” the festival notes, highlighting the universal relevance of its themes.
Kyrgyz filmmaker Amanbek Azhymat presents **Backstage Madness**, a comedy that humorously critiques the filmmaking process. The story follows an elderly director who continues to create despite the challenges posed by modern cinema. This lighthearted yet insightful film reflects on the absurdities of the creative journey.
Lastly, the festival features **The Megalomaniacs** by Spiros Stathoulopoulos, which combines elements of satire and chaos in its narrative about an archaeologist and her interactions with a potter. This film aims to explore the intersections of ambition and madness, promising an engaging viewing experience.
**K-Poper**, a film by Iranian director Ebrahim Amin, explores cultural clashes through the lens of a teenage girl’s obsession with K-pop. The protagonist’s desire to attend a concert in Seoul faces opposition from her conservative family, highlighting the generational and cultural conflicts inherent in modern society.
The Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival continues to be a vital platform for innovative filmmakers and fresh perspectives. With a lineup that includes these and many more thought-provoking films, the festival invites audiences to engage with stories that challenge norms and provoke discussion.
