The Black Nights Film Festival received the "Volunteer Engager of the Year" award, which recognizes those who have stood out for their consistent and professional work with volunteers.

Sandra Laura Luhtein, PÖFF's volunteer coordinator, received the award from Estonian President Alar Karis, who announced the Civil Society Doers of the Year.

"Volunteers are the heart of the Black Nights Film Festival; without them, the festival could not occur. PÖFF volunteers are affectionately called 'wolves,' as it is the PÖFF wolves who create a warm atmosphere and ensure that everything runs smoothly. In 2024, there were about 450 volunteers, divided into 21 different task groups. Volunteer work and well-being are systematically and professionally organized at the festival, allowing volunteers to do something that makes their eyes sparkle. Many PÖFF wolves have participated as volunteers for several consecutive years because it is such a great experience," stated the Network of Estonian Civil Society, which organizes the recognition in cooperation with the President's Office.

Sandra Laura Luhtein, who herself once started as a PÖFF volunteer, emphasized that without the contribution of volunteers, the processes of a large event like PÖFF would not function successfully, nor would the festival maintain its high quality.

"It is extremely important for us to ensure that their time at the festival is spent meaningfully and enjoyably, leaving a sparkle in their eyes and a passion for film in their hearts long afterwards," she said.

In total, nearly 450 volunteers participated in organizing PÖFF in 2024, alongside at least 35 PÖFF staff members who coordinated them. "These engagement processes have been fine-tuned over the 28 years that PÖFF has been held," Luhtein noted.

PÖFF has involved volunteers since its first festival in 1997. Since 2019, the festival has also carried the "Volunteer-Friendly Organization" label, which recognizes organizations that excel in volunteer engagement and management at a high professional level. In 2024, the Volunteer of the Year title was awarded to Ülle Viinapuu, who has contributed to PÖFF for over 15 years.

This year, the Black Nights Film Festival will take place from November 7–23.
The festival is presented by Elisa and Nordic Hotel Forum.