Today’s film selection is full of inspiring stories that help us adjust our moral compass and the programme also surprises with one naughtily sinful Estonian film.
Wednesday is here with an abundance of Estonian films and also exoticness straight from the Philippines!
What does the black hole look like in the cosmical creative world of Moonika Siimets and how does architect Emil Urbel view Estonian architecture? How deep is the human dignity of an Estonian man who builds a 19-metre observation tower all on his own? And – looking over the gulf – who was Abraham Stiller, known as the Finnish Schindler, who did heroic deeds to help Jewish refugees?
For Wednesday's film suggestions and today’s PÖFF schedule click here!
Director: M. Siimets; country: Estonia
Wednesday, November 13 at 21 at Coca-Cola Plaza
Estonian premiere with the filmmakers
A steamy, feminist romantic comedy featuring adorable sci-fi monsters. A sexy blend of the styles of Cronenberg, Spielberg, and Lyne (and “Gremlins”), “The Black Hole’s” director Moonika Siimets has managed to unleash the ultimate guilty pleasure movie. It's an incredible and radical change of style from her previous film, “The Little Comrade”.
Director: V. Puidokas; countries: Lithuania, France, Norway
Wednesday, November 13 at 20 at Coca-Cola Plaza
World premiere with the filmmakers
Award-winning Lithuanian documentary filmmaker Vytautas Puidokas’s new film tells the story of a rehabilitation centre on an abandoned farm. It’s a refuge for troubled recovering addicts and former prisoners hoping for one last chance at a normal life. The film reveals the complex cycle of addiction and focuses on the difficult journey of recovery.
Director: A. Okk; country: Estonia
Wednesday, November 13 at 20.30 at Coca-Cola Plaza
World premiere with the filmmakers
Emil Urbel is a humble yet noble man whose magical touch is sought after by wealthier clients. As a teacher and self-made architect, Urbel inspires others to imagine a city designed for pleasant living, highlighting the beauty of urban quality. He leads impromptu, detailed tours of Tallinn, sharing his insights with a sharp sense of humour.
Some Nights I Feel Like Walking
Director: P. Vargas; countries: Philippines, Italy, Singapore
Wednesday, November 13 at 18.15 at Coca-Cola Plaza
World premiere with the filmmakers
There are a surprising number of films in Philippine cinema that can be described as LGBTQ+. These include many that far surpass the rest of the wide range of Philippine films in terms of artistic merit. As such, Petersen Vargas’s film clearly stands out. An excellent drama that makes the audience truly sympathetic to the story being told.
Director: K. Viimne; country: Estonia
Wednesday, November 13 at 17.30 at Coca-Cola Plaza
World premiere with the filmmakers
In a remote corner of Estonia, in Võru, lives Kalju, who is building a 19-metre-high observation tower with his own hands. Why does he do this hard work alone? Who is he building it for? Director Kullar Viimne has captured something indescribable in this film, with its enchanting imagery that is at the same time beautiful, a little sad, but also hopeful. Maybe this is the way life should be?
Director: K. Härö; countries: Finland, Estonia, Austria, Germany, Sweden
Wednesday, November 13 at 19 at Coca-Cola Plaza
World premiere with the filmmakers
Partly filmed in Estonia, with costumes by Eugen Tamberg and production design by Jaagup Roomet, this thrilling historical drama tells the lesser-known story of Abraham Stiller's struggle to protect Jews from deportation to the Nazis. Many Jewish refugees who have come to Finland in search of a better future find themselves facing the same problems as before.