Tuesday at PÖFF boldly navigates the tangled web of societal norms and structures, standing undaunted in its quest for truth.
The Norwegian film Armand places viewers in the shoes of a parent dealing with an overwhelming mess at their child’s school. The film has already won a prize at the Cannes Film Festival and is representing Norway in the foreign language Oscar race. Similarly, screening today, the Romanian comedy The New Year That Never Came triumphed at the Venice Film Festival.
One of today’s most special screenings is the documentary The Watchman, which unfolds the moving story of a Chinese family sending their only son to study at a university in Estonia. The filmmakers will be present in person at the international premiere.
Discover all the films screening at PÖFF on Tuesday here!
Director: H. U. Tøndel; Countries: Norway, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden
Tuesday, November 12 at 20:15 at Apollo Kino Solaris
On a fateful afternoon in an empty elementary school, a fierce argument erupts between the mothers of Armand and Jon. Each desperately tries to have her version of the truth believed. Film won the prestigious Camera d’Or award at Cannes this year and has been submitted by Norway as its Oscar entry. Armand is also nominated for three awards from the European Film Academy.
Director: B. Muresanu; Country: Romania
Tuesday, November 12 at 18:00 at Kino Sõprus
A tragicomic take on the fall of the Ceaușescu regime in Romania in 1989. In the midst of political protests and personal struggles, the lives of six individuals intersect. This film won both the Best Film award in the Orizzonti competition at the Venice Film Festival and the FIPRESCI Jury Award. It is also nominated for the European Discovery Award by the European Film Academy.
Directors: L. du Pontavice, V. Bonin; Countries: France, Belgium
Tuesday, November 12 at 21:00 at Coca-Cola Plaza
International premiere with filmmakers in attendance
The Watchman and his wife have devoted their lives to their only son. But when he leaves China to study at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, the couple is confronted with an emotional void. This breathtaking documentary, with stunning cinematography and music, offers an intimate glimpse into cultural adaptation and the sacrifices of family.
Director: I. Kohei; Countries: Japan, France
Tuesday, November 12 at 21:15 at Coca-Cola Plaza
A poetic meditation on grief, love, and closure, this film explores how these themes are interwoven with vivid memories of moments shared between people. This touching and nostalgic drama has been featured in the competition programs of the Venice, San Sebastián, Vancouver, and Busan film festivals.
Director: Francesca Comencini; Countries: Italy, France
Tuesday, November 12 at 19:30 at Kino Artis
An autobiographical story of a father, a daughter, and their shared love for cinema. Francesca Comencini’s film is a tribute to her father, Luigi Comencini, capturing the deeply personal moments they experienced together. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where it won the Pasinetti Award and a special Soundtrack Stars award.
Director: S. Copti; Countries: Palestine, Germany, France, Italy, Qatar
Tuesday, November 12 at 18:45 at Coca-Cola Plaza
An accident sets off a chain of events that reveals lies and unspoken truths, sowing divisions in a complex patriarchal society. This film, awarded Best Screenplay in the Orizzonti program at the Venice Film Festival, highlights the deep cultural and political dimensions that shape perceptions of gender and nationality within the community.