These are cinematographic masterpieces with awards from hundreds of other A-class film festivals.
The first day of The Black Nights Film Festival doesn't hold back an ounce nor give place to modesty - the cinema halls are waiting for cinematographic masterpieces, accompanied by odes and awards from hundreds of other A-class film festivals around the world. These are carefully selected films that charm, intrigue and touch the soul. Films that will grow your appetite for subsequent PÖFF experiences. And there are already many of them.
Winner of the Grand Prix at this year’s Cannes Film Festival ”The zone of interest” is unquestionably one of the most important films to watch this year. "How to have sex?", which has won awards at numerous film festivals, raises uncomfortable questions with sharp fearlessness. "May December" explores the boundaries of love and decency in the performance of Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore. Director Ken Loach, in his well-known goodness, lifts the mood with the film "The old oak". Just as eagerly does it the documentary "Theater camp", which won an award at the Sundance Film Festival.
See the entire PÖFF opening day cinema program here!
3. nov, Friday at 18.30; Apollo Kino Solaris
Director: Jonathan Glazer, Countries: United Kingdom, Poland, USA
Ostensibly based on Martin Amis’s 2014 novel “The Zone of Interest”, the film bears tangential relation to the book, stripping away its multiple intrigues and sardonic black humour for a minimalist and more strictly severe focus on its central topic: the domestic life of Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss and his wife Hedwig, who have created a cosily luxurious home for themselves and their children at the very edge of Auschwitz. Jonathan Glazer’s “The Zone of Interest” won the Grand Prix and FIPRESCI at this year’s Cannes.
3. nov, Friday at 19; Apollo Kino Coca-Cola Plaza
Director: Molly Manning Walker, Countries: United Kingdom, Greece
For teenage school friends Tara, Skye and Em, a hedonistic package trip to the party town of Malia in Crete is a rite of passage: a post-exam celebration that plays out to a soundtrack of air horns, techno and blurry late-night declarations of undying friendship. And for Tara, it may be the opportunity for her to finally divest herself of her virginity. The film won the Un Certain Regard Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and has been screened elsewhere, including the Toronto, Busan and Melbourne festivals.
3. nov, Friday at 19.45; Kino Artis
Estonian premiere with guests
Social isolation affects millions of people, even Mars-bound astronauts. A savvy NASA psychologist is tasked with protecting these daring explorers.
“The Longest Goodbye” follows Holland, rookie astronauts Kayla Barron and Matthias Maurer, and former astronaut Cady Coleman, among others, as they grapple with the tension between their dream of reaching new frontiers and their basic human need to stay connected to home. This conflict transcends space travel: how do we balance our quest for progress with the deep connection to our history and each other?
3. nov, Friday at 19.30; Kino Artis
Director: Todd Haynes, Country: USA
Despite what began as a shocking affair, then 36-year-old Gracie and 13-year-old Joe now lead a seemingly picture-perfect suburban life some 20 years later. Their domestic bliss is disrupted when Elizabeth, a famous actress, arrives in their tight-knit community to research her upcoming role as Gracie. As Elizabeth ingratiates herself into the everyday lives of Gracie and Joe, the uncomfortable facts of their scandal unfurl, causing long-dormant emotions to resurface.
3. nov, Friday at 21; Kino Sõprus
Director: Ken Loach, Countries: United Kingdom, Belgium, France
“The Old Oak” is the story of a village in the Northeast of England, where the mine closed, and people feel deserted by the system. Many young ones have left and what was once a thriving, proud community struggles to keep old values alive. But there is growing anger, resentment, and a lack of hope. Houses are cheap and available. This makes it an ideal location for the Syrian refugees that have been accepted by Britain in recent years. How will the Syrians be received? And what will be the future of the last remaining pub in the village, The Old Oak? Ken Loach’ warmly humorous “The Old Oak” premiered in the main competition of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.
3. nov, Friday at 20.30; Apollo Kino Coca-Cola Plaza
Director: Justine Triet, Country: France
For the past year a German writer Sandra, her French husband Samuel, and their eleven-year-old son Daniel have lived a secluded life in a remote town in the French Alps. When Samuel is found dead in the snow below their chalet, the police question whether he committed suicide or was killed. Samuel’s death is treated as suspicious, presumed murder, and Sandra becomes the main suspect. Little by little the trial becomes not just an investigation of the circumstances of Samuel's death, but an unsettling psychological journey into the depths of Sandra and Samuel’s conflicted relationship. Justine Triet’s “Anatomy of a Fall” won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
3. nov, reede kell 19 Apollo Kino Solarises
Rež: Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman; riik: USA
As summer rolls around again, kids are gathering from all over to attend AdirondACTS, a scrappy theatre camp in upstate New York that’s a haven for budding performers. After its indomitable founder Joan falls into a coma, her clueless “crypto-bro” son Troy is tasked with keeping the thespian paradise running. With financial ruin looming, Troy must join forces with Amos, Rebecca-Diane, and their band of eccentric teachers to come up with a solution before the curtain rises on opening night. „Theater Camp” won the ensemble award at this year's Sundance Film Festival.