In a world where war, politics, and societal constraints often overshadow dreams, the 2025 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) boldly steps forward to celebrate the indomitable spirit of those who dare to dream big. But here’s where it gets controversial: this year’s documentary lineup doesn’t just entertain—it challenges, provokes, and inspires, with stories that span the globe and delve into the complexities of human resilience. For the first time, Baltic documentaries and feature films will compete in separate programs, marking a significant shift in the festival’s approach to storytelling.
Organizers revealed on Tuesday that the selected films explore themes as diverse as family dynamics, traditional lifestyles, political upheaval, and the ravages of war. From the rugged landscapes of Moldova to the serene heights of the Himalayas, these documentaries offer a window into lives both extraordinary and ordinary. And this is the part most people miss: many of these films center on women who defy restrictive circumstances to pursue their ambitions, offering a powerful testament to the human spirit.
Curator Marianna Kaat aptly describes the Doc@PÖFF program as a ‘restless world’ where bold, author-driven works seek balance and understanding. ‘Documentaries can be even more engaging than fiction,’ she asserts, and this year’s lineup seems poised to prove her point. But is she right? Could these non-fiction narratives truly outshine their fictional counterparts? The debate is sure to spark conversations among festival-goers.
The Doc@PÖFF International Competition jury is a powerhouse of talent, featuring producer Tania El Khoury, Estonian producer Marianne Ostrat, and German filmmaker Daniel Abma. Meanwhile, the Baltic doc competition jury includes documentary consultant Ana Fernández Saiz, nonfiction story expert Pamela Cohn, and Dutch filmmaker Koen Suidgeest. Together, they’ll decide which films rise to the top in this year’s competitions.
Here’s a glimpse into the films that will captivate audiences:
Doc@PÖFF International Competition Films
- Days of Wonder (Finland), dir: Karin Pennanen
- Edge of the Night (Estonia), dir: Vladimir Loginov
- Electing Miss Santa (Moldova, Romania), dir: Raisa Răzmeriță
- Far Away (Turkey), dir: Tayfur Aydın
- The Feast of the Wolf (Croatia, Serbia), dir: Jadran Boban
- Goodbye Sisters (France, Nepal), dir: Alexander Murphy
- It’s Winter (Iran, France), dir: Sajad Imani
- The Lunch: A Letter to America (Italy, USA), dir: Gianluca Vassallo
- Miss Jobson (Spain, Jamaica), dir: Amanda Sans Pantling
- One Day I Wish to See You Happy (Ukraine, France), dir: Maryna Nikolcheva
Doc@PÖFF Baltic Competition Films
- A Goodnight Kiss (Lithuania, Estonia), dir: Giedrė Žickytė
- BIX Almost Nirvana (Lithuania), dir: Emilis Vėlyvis
- Happiness Is Living in Our Land (Estonia), dir: Indrek Spungin
- Holy Destructors (Lithuania, France), dir: Aistė Žegulytė
- Laguna (France, Lithuania), dir: Sharunas Bartas
- The Last Will (Lithuania), dir: Jānis Ābele
- Lost Stars of the Horoscope (Estonia), dir: Katrina Lehismäe
- My Family and Other Clowns (Estonia), dir: Heilika Pikkov, Liina Särkinen
- Not Made for Politics (Belarus), dir: Volia Chajkouskaya
- Scarecrows (Latvia, Lithuania), dir: Laila Pakalnina
- I’m Time to the Target (Latvia, Czechia, Ukraine), dir: Vitaly Mansky
As the festival unfolds, one question lingers: Can these documentaries truly redefine our understanding of storytelling? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on whether these films can indeed surpass fiction in their impact and engagement.
