Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival Lineup Showcases Global Cinema

The Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival has announced its official selections. The Estonian festival revealed its 2025 competition juries and lineups. This year’s main program features 17 compelling features.

The festival received a record number of submissions from over 100 countries. PÖFF 2025 will run from November 7 to 23 in the Estonian capital.

A Mirror to World Anxieties and Resilience

The main competition includes 16 world premieres and one international premiere. According to the festival’s announcement, the selection reflects current global concerns. Festival director Tiina Lokk described the films as holding up a mirror to our world.

She noted themes of war, environmental crisis, and family dynamics. The program also highlights strong cinematic contributions from Asia and Latin America. Spain is uniquely represented with two films in competition.

Global Reach and Emerging Talent

The festival received submissions from approximately 80 nations for its final program. Overall, the event will showcase 110 world premieres and 30 international premieres. This demonstrates the festival’s significant global footprint.

The international jury is chaired by Macedonian filmmaker Teona Strugar Mitevska. Other members include acclaimed costume designer Debra McGuire and German producer Ingo Fliess. Their diverse expertise will evaluate the competition films.

The 2025 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival underscores Estonia’s growing importance in global cinema. This year’s diverse selection promises to engage international audiences with powerful storytelling. The festival continues to be a vital platform for discovering new cinematic voices.

Thought you’d like to know

When does the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival take place?

The festival runs from November 7 to November 23, 2025. Screenings and events will occur in Tallinn, Estonia.

How many films are in the main competition?

Seventeen feature films comprise the main competition selection. Sixteen of these are world premieres.

Which countries are strongly represented this year?

Spain has two films in the main competition. The festival also noted strong submissions from Asia and Latin America.

Who is leading the international jury?

Macedonian filmmaker Teona Strugar Mitevska chairs the 2025 jury. She is joined by four other international film professionals.

How many film submissions did the festival receive?

Organizers reviewed over 1,900 submissions for the main program. Total submissions across all categories exceeded 5,600 films.