Offbeat Films Shine at Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival 2025

The 29th edition of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) in Estonia commenced on November 10, 2025, showcasing a diverse array of arthouse films. Festival director Tiina Lokk and her team have curated a selection featuring world premieres alongside notable titles from the past year’s festival circuit. With an aim to highlight unique and sometimes challenging narratives, this year’s lineup promises to captivate audiences with its offbeat offerings.

Among the standout films is Electing Ms Santa, a documentary from Moldova that follows Elena, a 42-year-old woman with aspirations to become mayor. Directed by Raisa Răzmeriță, the film chronicles Elena’s journey as she engages her community through various initiatives, including organizing clean-ups and supporting the elderly. Over seven years of filming, the documentary explores her struggle against societal norms and personal ambitions against the backdrop of Moldova’s potential EU accession.

Innovative Takes on Classic Themes

Another intriguing entry, The Baronesses, offers a fresh perspective on Hamlet as it tells the story of four grandmothers in Brussels who decide to stage the play. Co-directed by Nabil Ben Yadir and his mother, Mokhtaria Badaoui, the film blends themes of empowerment and magic realism as the characters navigate their dreams amid personal challenges. The film serves as a love letter to the neighborhood of Molenbeek, where it is set.

Additionally, the documentary Scarecrows reveals the hidden lives of wildlife at Riga International Airport. Directed by Laila Pakalniņa, the film showcases a team of “runway rangers” who contend with nature as they manage wildlife encounters on the airport grounds. With a unique blend of absurdity and realism, it draws attention to the often-overlooked interactions between humans and animals.

Diverse Narratives and Cultural Reflections

The festival also features Interior, a debut film from German director Pascal Schuh. This psychological thriller follows a burglar named Kasimir, who uses a secret compartment in a couch to film the private lives of his victims. The film raises questions about morality and voyeurism, compelling viewers to confront the boundaries of privacy.

Another notable film is My Family and Other Clowns, which explores the complexities of familial relationships through the lens of a family of clowns. This Estonian documentary presents the lives of world-renowned clowns Haide and Toomas, as seen through the eyes of their children who grapple with the impact of their parents’ fame on family life.

The main competition includes 18 Holes to Paradise, a family drama set against the backdrop of environmental concerns. Directed by João Nuno Pinto, the film follows a family navigating personal conflicts while dealing with the repercussions of a devastating wildfire in their region.

Lastly, K-Poper, directed by Iranian filmmaker Ebrahim Amin, delves into cultural clashes as it tells the story of a teenage girl in Iran who dreams of attending a K-pop concert in Seoul. This narrative reflects the generational and cultural tensions prevalent in many societies, providing a poignant look at the aspirations of youth.

With its eclectic selection, the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival continues to be a vital platform for innovative storytelling, pushing boundaries and engaging audiences in thought-provoking ways. The festival runs until November 26, 2025, promising a rich slate of films for attendees.