As I delve into this captivating array of documentaries, I am struck by the richness and diversity of human experiences they portray. Each filmmaker brings their unique lens to the table, crafting stories that resonate deeply with our collective humanity.
The highly regarded Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (also known as PÖFF), one of Northern Europe’s top festivals, will unfold in the Estonian capital from November 8-24. This prestigious event has revealed its initial feature films and documentary competition programs, each offering an intriguing selection of 11 captivating titles to attract attendees.
Seven outstanding debut films have been chosen for the First Feature category, including “No Dogs Allowed” by German director Steve Bache, who was nominated for a Student Academy Award and addresses the sensitive topic of paedophilia in adolescence; “Two of Me”, a comedic metanarrative directed by Estonian twin brothers known as “the Eskobros” about twin brothers aspiring to succeed in the film industry; and “A Yard of Jackals”, a thriller from Chile set during Pinochet’s dictatorship, starring Néstor Cantillana and Blanca Lewin, who are also part of HBO’s “Fugitives” (“Prófugo”).
According to programmer Triin Tramberg, the initial feature selection panel reviewed approximately 250 movies hailing from 66 different nations, choosing those that showed the greatest promise in terms of box office success and wide distribution.
She pointed out that unlike other festivals, we don’t have industry professionals attending premieres. Instead, we aim to fill our theaters with people eager to watch new films. She noted the fierce competition from at least five movies screening concurrently and the financial constraints on Estonians due to rising inflation and living costs, which affect their disposable income for movie-going. To combat this, she emphasized that we value unique and high-quality films over a large quantity. Among the selected films, she highlighted three female directorial debuts and a wide age range, from 24 to 52, offering a broad spectrum of experiences.
Tiina Look, manager of the PÖFF festival, emphasized once more that the festival’s primary objective is to champion emerging filmmakers, with a particular focus on those making their debut in the international scene and movies produced in countries with limited resources. This includes discovering hidden cinematic treasures from the Baltic region as well.
Speaking about the initial documentary competition category, Lokk mentioned that it was designed to meet “the ongoing need in the global film industry” for a specialized festival section focused on documentaries.
Six documentaries are making their world premieres, including “With My Open Lungs” from Germany, a deeply personal essay on war in Ukraine and the power of love by Russian-born Yana Sad, “Murmuring Hearts”, a gritty portrayal of addiction by Vytautas Puidokas (known as “El Padre Medico”), and “Freight” by Max Carlo Kohal, based in Switzerland and born in the U.S., which follows a teenage crew on a container ship.
As program curator, Marianna Kaat emphasizes our commitment to creating captivating, impactful documentaries that resonate deeply with viewers. We strive to offer a blend of engaging entertainment and sophisticated films, catering not only to casual viewers but also to movie enthusiasts, especially those who value the artistry and skill in filmmaking.
Prior to PÖFF, other competition categories such as the Official Selection, Baltic Film Competition, Critics’ Choices, and the Rebels with a Cause section will be unveiled.
Here is a rundown of the first competing titles.
First Feature competition slate
“Ciao Bambino,” (Luciano Pistone, Italy, IP)
Stepping into the gritty, working-class heartbeat of Naples, I find myself at the crossroads of a 19-year-old named Attilio’s life. Caught between allegiance to his father and affection for a young courtesan, he navigates a world as vivid and complex as the city itself.
“Corinna,” (Urzula Barba, Mexico, IP)
20-year-old Corinna (played by Naian González Norvind) steps out of her comfort zone for the first time as she accepts a job at a publishing house. Urzula Barba’s inspiring debut film is brought to you by prominent Mexican production company Mandarina Cine, along with Cobra Films, Espectro Mx Film, and CM Films. The movie made its world premiere in Guadalajara.
“The House with No Address,” (Hatice Aşkın, Turkey, Greece, WP)
In a world where individuals who commit major crimes are removed from society, we delve into the life of young prosecutor Alper (portrayed by Boran Kuzum from the initial Turkish Netflix original series “The Protector”). However, his moral compass is challenged when his own mother is found guilty. Hatice Aşkın takes on writing, directing, and producing duties, collaborating with Emre Oskay (Sky Films), Engin Altan Duzyatan, in a co-production with Greece’s View Master Films.
“Lotus,” (Signe Birkova, Latvia, Lithuania, WP)
In the series “Babylon Berlin,” actress Severija Janušauskaitė plays Alice von Trotta, a determined up-and-coming film director who is working on an exceptional screenplay and battles against government censorship. This production is marketed as a surreal musical ride, and Signe Birkova’s avant-garde film employs diverse techniques to honor influential filmmakers like Méliès and Hitchcock. The project is produced by Roberts Vinovskis and Dominiks Jarmakovičs for Studio Locomotive, with Lithuania’s premier studio, Uljana Kim, taking the lead.
“Mongrels,” (Jerome Yoo, Canada, IP)
The narrative unfolds over three parts is a “touching and enigmatic account focusing on Korean immigrants, primarily revolving around their survival and intertwined with chasing canines,” as described by the logline. “It’s an otherworldly masterpiece crafted from elements of folklore, shards of personal recollections, and intriguing oddities,” commented the director, who hails from Seoul and premiered his first film at the Vancouver Film Festival. The domestic distribution will be managed by Game Theory Films.
“No Dogs Allowed,” (Steve Bache, Germany, WP)
Steve Bache, a nominee for the Oscar-Student award, is collaborating with screenwriter Stephan Kämpf on a compelling and realistic exploration of pedophilia during adolescence. Carlo Krammling, a newcomer, leads the cast, alongside Robin Sondermann and Katharina Marie Schubert. The production company Schiwago Film (“A Coffee in Berlin”) is responsible for this project.
“Smaragda – I Got Thick and I Can’t Jump,” (Emilios Avraam, Cyprus, WP)
The story revolves around the maturation process of a middle-aged woman named Smaragda (played by Niovi Charalambous), who transitions into a children’s entertainer at a tourist resort and learns to navigate social media platforms. This journey brings her both acclaim and criticism. The film is produced by Tonia Mishiali for Bark Like a Cat Films.
“Sun Never Again,” (David Jovanović, Serbia, WP)
In the face of the looming danger posed by an iron ore mine close to his home, Vid, a father, discovers strength and optimism through his son’s creative spirit, which injects poetry and positivity into their challenging circumstances. David Jovanović, who was behind the Slamdance award-winning film “Where the Road Leads” by Nina Ognjanović, embarks on his first directorial journey with Pointless Films, collaborating with Đorđe Kosić on the script.
“Two of Me,” (Raul Esko, Romet Esko, Estonia, WP)
In a humorous take on their shared identity, Estonian video artists Raul and Romet Esko, also known as the EskoBros, share their journey as twin filmmakers striving to create the world’s finest twin-themed movie. “It’s a documentary blend of personal recollections, youthful bravery, innocence, and raw feelings,” explains producer Rain Rannu, collaborating with Tõnu Hiielaid for Tallifornia on this project.
“The Weeping Walk,” (Dimitri Verhulst, Belgium, IP)
As a movie enthusiast, I’d rephrase that logline as follows: “My journey to bury my sister Christine in Wettelen unearths hidden family secrets, revealing how unspoken truths can disrupt life itself.” The heart of this film, as producer Eurydice Gysel describes it, is the raw emotion of grief and how it hinders our ability to live. This thought-provoking black comedy-road movie, penned by Belgian author-turned-screenwriter-director Dimitri Verhulst, is set for domestic release by Czar Film & TV in October, with distribution by DFW and Kinepolis.
“A Yard of Jackals,” (Diego Figueroa, Chile, Spain, WP)
Starring Nestór Cantillana and Blanca Lewin in the HBO series “Fugitives,” created by Pablo Larraín, this psychological thriller is set during the winter of 1978. The tranquil routine of model-maker Raúl Peralta is upended when enigmatic new neighbors move in. Through the character of Raul, an ordinary man entangled in extraordinary circumstances, the series delves into the moral decay wrought by the dictatorship and how this violence permeates not only institutions of power but also the lives of everyday citizens. Alejandro Ugarte of Infractor Films, recognized by EbMaster as one of 10 Chilean producers to follow in 2020, explains that the show aims to examine this decay. MPM Premium is handling sales for the series.
Documentary Competition
In this work by Takashi Sugimoto, based in Lisbon, we find a visually captivating depiction of rural India. By weaving together the act of a mother brushing her daughter’s hair with themes of faith, selflessness, and commerce, he creates an intriguing connection.
“Full Support,” (Michal Cohen, Israel, IP)
The helmer reveals all about women and their love and hate with their boobs, through a Jaffa bra shop’s fitting room. The pic backed by Israeli pubcaster Kan11 scooped best debut at this year’s DocAviv.
“Freight,” (Max Carlo Kohal, Switzerland, WP)
As Max Carlo Kohal, born in Houston and now based in Basel, I’ve spent over four years documenting the journey of a young crew on a container ship as they sail across Europe. Through this experience, they not only learn the intricacies of navigation but also the lessons of growing up. My production, Dynamic Frame, was honored with the Basler Filmpreis – Special recognition for an emerging director.
“Ice Age,” (Alexandra Sell, Germany, IP)
Over three years, I had the privilege of working on a documentary commissioned by BR/Arte, following six accomplished figure skaters from around the globe as they geared up for the World Hobby Figure Skating Championships in Oberstdorf, Bavaria. This is my second film focusing on ice-skating, following “The Beginner,” which earned me the title of best director at the Fort Lauderdale Fest in 2017. My debut documentary, “Durchfahrtsland” (“Remote Area”), premiered at the Berlinale Forum and even won a Prix Europa.
“Ms. President,” (Marek Šulík, Slovakia, IP)
Through exclusive insights into Slovakia’s first female president Zuzana Čaputová, Marek Šulík paints a captivating picture of the politician navigating the delicate interplay between her public and personal life. His work also provokes thought on the potential trajectory of democracy within Europe. Rise & Shine is responsible for handling sales in this context.
“Murmuring Hearts,” (Vytautas Puidokas, Lithuania, France, WP)
In his second documentary film following “El Padre Medico,” which premiered at the Camden International Film Festival in the U.S., Vytautas Puidokas presents a gritty portrayal of addiction and redemption. Ruta Jekentaitė, based in Vilnius, produces for Baltic Productions alongside Grande Ourse Films from France and Smau Media from Norway for this project.
“Never Too Late,” (Yang Lizhu, China, WP)
In her first movie, Yang Lizhu captures the lives of her own grandparents, residing in a humble town named Huaihua within rural Hunan, China. One may wonder, what led her 80-year-old grandmother to end her marital bond, which had lasted for an astonishing 60 years?
“Torn,” (Kullar Viimne, Estonia, WP)
In his second film, the director follows a man’s ambitious goal and daunting task as he constructs by himself a ten-meter-tall observation tower, in a secluded part of Estonia.
“Trains,” (Maciej J. Drygas, Poland, Lithuania, IP)
In Maciej J. Drygas’ archive-based film (awarded as best European film for “Hear My Cry”), the renowned Polish director portrays a chilling exploration of mankind’s recurring patterns of war and brief periods of truce throughout the 20th century. The production of this movie was a collaboration between Drygas Film and Era Film from Lithuania.
“The Watchman,” (Lou de Pontavice, Victoire Bonin, France, Belgium, IP)
Making its debut in documentaries, the filmmakers portray the struggle of a Chinese family when their gifted musical son, studying at the esteemed Beijing Academy of Music, desires to relocate to Estonia for his music aspirations. The movie, distributed by Cats&Docs, had its world premiere last June at the La Rochelle International Film Festival in France.
“With My Open Lungs,” (Yana Sad, Germany, WP)
Amidst Russia’s invasion of Ukraine serving as the backdrop, we delve into the deeply moving story of Russian filmmaker Yana Sad. As she defies Putin’s war, she encounters personal struggles with her spouse while finding herself drawn to Yaroslava, a woman bravely fighting lung cancer. Having left Russia in 2022 for Germany, this director financed her powerful personal essay using her own savings. Outplay Films is responsible for distribution.
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2024-10-11 13:48