The Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) is proudly partnered with National Geographic, with whom we’ve brought a wide range of remarkable films to the festival’s audiences. This year, their curated selections include two standout films: Billy and Molly: A Love Story with an Otter and The Blink of an Eye.

We spoke with Sille Ruus, Disney Baltics Marketing Director, to learn more about the journey PÖFF and National Geographic have shared.

National Geographic captures stories of the underwater world, terrestrial nature, and historical journeys that come to life through the work of explorers, scientists, and photographers. They support PÖFF because our missions are aligned. “Culture is immensely important to me. It defines who we are as a nation and helps us endure,” Ruus shared. Films give us the chance to explore different destinations, broaden our perspectives, experience excitement, and leave a lasting cultural legacy.

A substantial portion of National Geographic’s film revenue goes to support various conservation initiatives, such as saving endangered animals and bees. Each year, they produce several new documentaries, with one often set to compete for an Oscar. “Working with festivals is crucial to getting a film onto the Oscar shortlist,” Ruus explained. Alongside extraordinary screenings, she fondly recalls laughter-filled conversations with Tiina Lokk at PÖFF, expressing hope that our partnership will continue for many years.

If a film were to be made about National Geographic itself, it would undoubtedly be a documentary featuring extraordinary wildlife and people whose stories need to be told. Ideally, this film would inspire viewers to grow as individuals, fostering a sense of responsibility and care for our planet and its inhabitants.