The Estonian Olympic Committee (EOK) and the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) have been working together for more than ten years. A key element of this partnership has been the sports film programme in the PÖFF programme, where EOK has had the opportunity to participate in the film selection process. As experts in the field, EOK has a good sense of what topics resonate in the world of sport today.
According to EOK Marketing Manager Margus Kiiver, this collaboration is highly valuable from a sports perspective, as the films allow people to think beyond “win or lose” or “used doping or didn’t use it.” There are many issues in sport that require a more sensitive and in-depth approach, and PÖFF's sports films, which cover various sports and genres, allow for just that.
“PÖFF has been an excellent partner who brings high quality films to our programme. It's important for us as an industry to be part of such a highly respected international film festival. We hope that our cooperation and the exposure for sports films have also encouraged Estonian filmmakers to create more sports-themed films,” says Kiiver.
Why Does EOK Support the Cultural Sector Today?
Sport is an inseparable part of culture, and for the Estonian Olympic Committee, cooperation within the cultural sector is essential. Both EOK and PÖFF have a clear goal, in addition to their joint film programme, to lead the way in their respective fields in Estonia and, in doing so, to showcase Estonia on the international stage. "We are creating something that Estonians can be proud of – positive emotions," says Kiiver.
Memories and Dreams
Looking back on the long partnership, Margus Kiiver remembers a moment when the sports film programme was sold out for the entire year! “It was incredibly moving to see the story of the Lions’ football team, produced by Delfi, with former young heroes in attendance. The great emotion and tenderness in their eyes really showed the beauty of sport”.
EOK’s dream is to open the sports film programme every year with a local Estonian sports film, which could serve as a foundation for international success stories. We believe that the partnership between EOK and PÖFF provides a platform from which many sports films will find their way to the world.
Read more: https://www.eok.ee/en