PÖFF presentation and film 'Daisy Petal Game'
Three timeless tales of love, one bold new wave.
The Black Nights Film Festival will start a little differently this time – with a FREE screening open to all.
How have budget cuts affected PÖFF? Who is Susi AI? Who will win the Lifetime Achievement Award?
We'll discuss all this on Thursday, 31 October at 14:00 at Cinema Artis (Estonia pst 9).
But we won't just be talking - we'll also be screening the newly restored film cassette “Daisy Petal Game”, introduced by authors Peeter Urbla and Peeter Simm.
This legendary collection of three short films heralded a new chapter in Estonian cinema.
Created under the guidance of Andrei Tarkovsky, and directed by Peeter Urbla (“Promenade”), Toomas Tahvel (“Poacher”), and Peeter Simm (“Tattoo”), with Arvo Iho behind the camera, these films share the timeless theme of complicated love. In the era of Soviet stagnation, audiences were also captivated by the films’ historical setting – the 1930s in independent Estonia.
“Promenade”, based on a story by Kurt Vonnegut, reunited the stars of Ukuaru, Elle Kull and Lembit Ulfsak. Meanwhile, the vibrant and witty “Tattoo”, which intertwines Roma and Estonian cultures, introduced Arvo Kukumägi, who was soon to become a cornerstone of Estonian cinema.
This is what Eva Näripea, director of the Film Archive, has written about the film.
The film was digitised in 6K by the National Archives of Estonia and restored in 4K by Ratus OÜ in 2024.
There will also be surprises from sponsors and a prize draw.
Come and experience PÖFF behind the scenes and enjoy Estonian film classics!
Please note! A free ticket is required for admission, which you can pick up here.
Peeter Simm (1953) a graduate of VGIK in Moscow, has directed some of Estonia’s foremost cinematic treasures. Now associate professor of film directing at Tallinn University, his work is famed for its biting social commentary, vivid characters, and arresting visuals.
Karikakramäng: Tätoveering (Daisy Petal Game: Tattoo, 1977, short), Ideaalmaastik (The Ideal Landscape, 1980), Arabella, mereröövli tütar (Arabella, the Pirate’s Daughter, 1982), Head käed (Good Hands, PÖFF 2001), Vee peal (On the Water, PÖFF 2020)
Peeter Urbla (1945) is a director, screenwriter, and producer whose films bear the refined touch of his background in art history. As a producer, he’s been a champion for emerging talent, while also building Estonia’s global film connections.
Karikakramäng: Promenaad (Daisy Petal Game: Promenade, 1977, short), 31. osakonna hukk (Murder on the 31st Floor, 1979–1980), Ma pole turist, ma elan siin (I’m Not a Tourist, I Live Here, 1988), Balti armastuslood (Three Baltic Love Stories, 1992), Stiilipidu (Shop of Dreams, PÖFF 2005)
Toomas Tahvel (1941–1997) trained as a stage director, honing his craft on feature films at Tallinnfilm before turning to documentaries at Estonian Television.
Karikakramäng: Salakütt (Daisy Petal Game: Poacher, 1977, short), Filmiproov kuningast (Casting a King, 1979, doc), Jaapani mere kaldal (On the shore of the Sea of Japan, 1980, doc), Sajandiring (Centenary Cycle, 1985, doc)