The 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) has announced the selection for its Critics’ Picks and Rebels With a Cause competitions — two of its boldest and most forward-looking programs celebrating daring cinema and fearless storytelling.
The fourth edition of the Critics’ Picks competition is a cinematic feast for the brave and the curious, offering ten dazzling world premieres handpicked from across the globe and served fresh in Tallinn.
Now in his fourth year as curator, Nikolaj Nikitin, Head of the SOFA School of Film Advancement, describes this year’s lineup as “as wildly diverse as its passport stamps — from Iran to Peru, Canada to Tunisia, Mexico to Taiwan, France to Lithuania, and yes, Estonia too.”
“These are genre-bending gems that defy borders and expectations,” Nikitin adds. “From gritty noir and sharp political thrillers to sensual coming-of-age dramas and cinema-soaked thrill rides that remix the rules of storytelling — think of it as a gourmet menu for the cinephile palate: rich, risky, and radically original.
So, buckle up, movie lovers — these films aren’t just meant to be watched; they’re meant to be experienced."
The Rebels With a Cause competition is curated for viewers who want to be challenged and explore new ways of storytelling. Launched in 2017, the competition strand has become increasingly popular with festival audiences.
Curator Javier Garcia Puerto says, “Rebels consolidates its commitment to the most daring films, combining powerful debuts — from Japan, Turkey, and Canada — with rebellious masters such as Lluís Miñarro, Jamie Adams, and Adrián Sitaru.” This year, the program features an all–world-premiere lineup.
He adds, “Rebels’ spirit goes beyond bold language and screen — featuring striking performances by James McAvoy, choreographer Lluís Garau, and the posthumous appearance of Marisa Paredes.”
Rebels with a Cause – Out of Competition
Competition Program “Rebels with a Cause” – Catalonia Special
The winners of the Critics’ Picks competition will be selected by Bhutanese director Dechen Roder, German film journalist Thomas Schultze, and French producer Jean-Baptiste Babin.
The jury for Rebels with a Cause includes Iranian director Ali Asgari, British film critic and curator Rogan Graham, and Spanish producer Alicia Reginato.
The Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) will take place from 7–23 November 2025 in Tallinn, Estonia, bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences from around the world.