“I look outside — it’s bleak, dark, wet, grey, cold. And I realise — it’s that favourite month of all film lovers once again: November. And I’m glad to count myself among them,” began President Alar Karis in his opening speech.

“This is the best time to reflect on the essential questions of life — on different cultures, perspectives, and ways of thinking. To be together, both physically and mentally, in one space. To discuss films afterwards, to meet their creators. To see life through a magnifying glass — concentrated, sometimes unembellished, sometimes artistically elevated. Especially today, it is important to observe the world around us from the side, so that our gaze remains clear and our thoughts sharp.

Looking at the audience numbers in recent years, it’s clear that more and more people feel the same way. For many, the Black Nights Film Festival helps to get through the darkest time of the year. And each year, more guests from abroad wish to join our northern gloom. That’s beautiful.

I wish us all both unexpected and long-awaited cinematic experiences — moments of reflection and emotion. Dear makers of PÖFF, thank you for continuing to carry out such a high-level and far-reaching film festival here in our beloved Estonia. We all need it. Stay strong!”

Opening Ceremony PHOTO GALLERY and Black Carpet PHOTO GALLERY.

The PÖFF Opening Ceremony was dedicated to Catalonia — the focus region of this year’s festival.

“Estonia and Catalonia share common values: ambition, innovation, a strong cultural identity, and a desire for international collaboration. The Baltic film industry — dynamic, curious, and inventive — reflects much of what inspires us in Catalonia,” said Edgar Garcia Casellas, Director of the Catalan Institute for Cultural Companies, in his opening remarks.

Lithuanian actor Juozas Budraitis received the festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award, while Ursel Tilk was announced as the Bruno O’Ya Grant recipient.

Polish Ambassador Artur Jan Orzechowski surprised Festival Director Tiina Lokk with the Maria Żaboo Award
for her contribution to strengthening Polish–Estonian relations. The PÖFF team was also named “Friend of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Tallinn 2025.”

Among the speakers were Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur, Spanish Ambassador Ángel Vázquez Díaz de Tuesta, Director of the Lithuanian Film Centre Laimonas Ubavičius, and long-time partners — Marti Hääl (CEO of Alexela), Feliks Mägus (General Manager of Nordic Hotel Forum), and Andrus Hiiepuu (CEO of Elisa Estonia).

The opening ceremony was directed by Laura Võigemast and Ingmar Jõela, and hosted by Lena Barbara Luhse. The evening featured a special performance by Catalan singer Maria Arnal.

Discover all the films screening at the 29th PÖFF here
.

*Photo: Erlend Štaub