Today’s film selection radiates world-class quality, reflecting the growing vibrancy of the festival with each passing day. PÖFF welcomes Simon Pegg, who has survived a zombie apocalypse, saved the world alongside Tom Cruise and proved that you can share a laugh (even with aliens). Meanwhile, the three-time Oscar winner delivers a powerful reminder why blood is indeed thicker than water.
Sorry, Baby and Anemone explore pain, vulnerability and the ways in which closeness can sometimes be more dangerous than being alone. Daniel Day-Lewis makes his long-awaited comeback, directed by none other than his own son. The result is every bit as intense as their collaboration suggests.
As the evening progresses, the pace only intensifies. Turn Up the Sun throws artists, lovers and their egos into a luxurious manor and lets them improvise in this chaos by exploring the fine line between life and art. On the other hand, I Swear reminds us how fragile and extraordinarily beautiful human courage can be. And when such a remarkable PÖFF marathon day calls for a worthy finale, Estonians once again demonstrate their unshakable endurance in Until the End, proving they are always up to the challenge.
Discover all of today’s screenings at PÖFF right here.
All the excitement of PÖFF events is waiting for you here.
12 November, Wednesday, 5pm, Nordic Hotel Forum
British actor, screenwriter and comedian Simon Pegg is visiting Estonia for the first time and will appear at a special PÖFF event. The audience has a rare opportunity to hear stories from his 30-year career, including what brought him to attend PÖFF. The event is free of charge but entry is by ticket, which must be reserved in advance.
12 November, Wednesday, 5.30pm, Apollo Solaris
Director: Eva Victor
Country: Spain, France
Sorry, Baby is a sensitive and honest bittersweet comedy that explores how trauma shapes a person’s relationship with themselves and the world around them. The protagonist, Agnes, struggles to find balance between pain, acceptance and a world that is hard to make sense of and that may not understand her. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the award for Best Screenplay.
12 November, Wednesday, 6.15pm, Apollo Plaza
Director: Ronan Day-Lewis
Country: United Kingdom, USA
Anemone marks the long-awaited return of three-time Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis to the big screen. He portrays a former soldier whose peaceful life in a forest cabin is disrupted when his brother arrives with an unexpected request. The result is an emotionally tense and intimate drama, in which father and son together create a film experience that is both artistically profound and deeply affecting.
12 November, Wednesday, 8pm, Apollo Plaza
World premiere with the filmmakers in attendance.
Director: Jamie Adams
Country: United Kingdom
Turn Up the Sun is a stylish and clever exploration of the labyrinth of the creative mind. Artists in search of inspiration, lovers craving attention, a mysterious muse and quests for transcendence set the stage for an exciting revelation. But what does it take to reignite an artist’s passion? Jamie Adams’ thrilling film follows this enigmatic group amid chaos and pleasure.
12 November, Wednesday, 8.15pm, Apollo Solaris
Director: Hikari
Country: Japan
Brendan Fraser stars in Rental Family as an actor who begins working for a company that provides “role players” to take part in clients’ everyday lives. His job is to portray, at various times, a journalist, a father, or a friend until the line between performance and reality starts to blur. In this heartwarming film, Japanese director Hikari explores themes of loneliness and identity.
12 November, Wednesday, 8.30pm, Apollo Solaris
Director: Kirk Jones
Country: United Kingdom
I Swear is a moving true story about a young Scottish man, John Davidson, whose life is changed by Tourette’s syndrome. Facing prejudice from society and himself, he finds unexpected support from Dottie, whose friendship helps him discover purpose and his own voice. Lead actor Robert Aramayo delivers an extraordinary performance. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
12 November, Wednesday, 9.15pm, Apollo Plaza
Director: Andres Luidre
Country: Estonia
The documentary Until the End follows four inspiring runners who demonstrate that sport is, above all, a journey of self-discovery. Liis-Grete and Karel Hussar, Sandra Ratasepp and Meelis Kalda show how elite competition and recreational running intertwine in the same passionate rhythm. Director Andres Luidre takes viewers into the exhilarating world of marathons and personal triumph.