As a film enthusiast with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the upcoming slate of films is truly exciting! The coming-of-age drama “Wolves” seems particularly intriguing, with its unique blend of music and self-discovery. I can’t help but wonder if the young woman will find her own voice amidst the enigmatic metal band, much like I found mine in the chaotic world of cinema.
The major film industry gathering in Tallinn, known as Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event, which serves as a companion event to the Black Nights Film Festival in the Baltic region, has revealed its selection of 17 films from 15 different countries for its three Works in Progress events: International Works in Progress, Baltic Event Works in Progress (from the Baltics and Finland), and Just Film Works in Progress (for young audiences).
Over 500 industry professionals from around 45 different nations will have the opportunity to learn about our projects, which are currently in production or post-production and seeking financial backing, distribution deals, and festival screenings, during the event scheduled for November 21st and 22nd.
Individuals who initially uncovered hidden treasures akin to “20,000 Species of Bees” from Spain in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, can anticipate this year’s WiP (Work in Progress) program. According to Marge Liiske, head of Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event, “This year’s lineup is thrilling, robust, and incredibly varied!” However, she noted that there are slightly fewer projects from the Baltics this year because many international co-productions have been postponed due to extended financing periods. She expressed hope that these will catch up next year!
Triin Tramberg, head of Work in Progress International, highlights an increase in both quantity and quality of submissions across all sections of works in progress, which is likely due to the collaboration between Black Nights Goes to Cannes and the Marché du Film. According to her statement, filmmakers are aware that they can present their films during post-production stages on a biannual basis, hence their attention towards our platform.
Among the six ongoing international projects, “Papers,” which delves into the Panama Papers scandal, is generating significant attention. This film is helmed by renowned Panamanian director and producer Arturo Montenegro, who previously represented his country in the Oscars with “Everybody Changes” (2019) and “Birthday Boy” (2023). The main cast includes Megan Montaner, known for her role in HBO Max’s “30 Coins,” and Carlos Bardem, who has appeared in “Scorpion in Love” and “Cell 211.
Three initial directorial ventures are worth mentioning: “Wolves” by Jonas Ulrich from Switzerland, a film that won the Locarno Golden Leopard in 2020 for his previous short film titled “People on Saturday”; and “Interior” by Pascal Schuh from Germany, who was a finalist for the Student Academy Award with his work entitled “Songs of a Caretaker.
In my perspective as a movie reviewer, the four selected projects from the Baltic Event stand out amidst the global crop of works-in-progress for their striking similarities in storytelling and scope. As stated by section manager Helen Räim, these films are potent social dramas that delve into themes of love, desire, and belonging, often finding humor even within challenging circumstances.
In this context, let’s rephrase the given text in a more natural and easy-to-understand way:
Hailing from the vibrant cinematic scene of Estonia, up-and-coming filmmaker German Golub – a previous Student Oscar laureate with his gripping short film “My Dear Corpses” – is set to captivate audiences once more with the inspiring biopic “Our Erica.” This compelling tale centers around Erika Salumäe, an exceptional track cyclist who made history as the first female Estonian athlete to claim an Olympic gold medal. Marju Lepp, a respected figure in the industry, is producing this powerful project for Filmivabrik. In my humble opinion, this promises to be a moving and empowering film that showcases the indomitable spirit of one extraordinary woman.
Simultaneously, the Just Film segment will present its broadest collection yet, featuring two child-focused productions and no less than five youth films. These cinematic pieces offer a variety of narratives about individuals from various backgrounds and eras, as mentioned by Kärt Väinola, the section’s manager. She further explained that these five films are primarily designed for teenagers, although they include several coming-of-age stories that could also resonate with young adults.
Prominent films include “Little Elephant in the Woods” by Dutch filmmaker Meikeminne Clinckspoor, who was Emmy-nominated for the toddler series “Doopie” (2020), and “Dirty Land,” the first directorial project of Portugal’s Luis Campo, known for “Monte Clérigo.
Projects submitted to both the International Works in Progress and Baltic Event Works in Progress categories will be up for the €7,000 ($7,600) Best Project Award, partially sponsored by Studio Beep, a renowned post-production house based in Prague. The jury for this award consists of esteemed professionals such as Casey Baron, who leads U.S. programming for the Tribeca Film Festival, Julie Marnay, program manager for First Cut Lab, and Alexis Cassanet, Gaumont’s EVP international sales & distribution.
The panel of judges responsible for presenting the Best Project Award worth €1,000 ($1,100) at Just Film Works in Progress consists of:
Full rundown of International Works in Progress:
“Late Shift,” (Stefanos Tsivopoulos, Greece, Romania)
Produced by Nikos Smpiliris (Boo Productions)
In Maria Dragus and Penelope Tsilika’s upcoming drama, we follow the story of a single Romanian mother, previously involved in activism, trying to adapt to Greek culture. This is the first directorial project by Tsivopoulos, set for release in 2025.
“Balance,” (Björn Schürmann, Germany)
A study delves into the intricacies of a long-distance father-daughter bond, masterminded and financed by Schürmann on a minimal budget. According to Tramberg, “The project’s unique appeal lies in its modest budget and deeply emotional narrative, demonstrating that remarkable achievements can be made with limited resources.
“Papers,” (Arturo Montenegro, Panama, Spain, Uruguay)
A captivating film, titled “Everybody Changes,” produced by the acclaimed Montenegro (“Everybody Changes”) team, is loosely based on the real-life Panama Papers scandal of 2016. This scandal involved the leaking of over 11.5 million financial and legal documents to the press, exposing money laundering activities among the wealthy. The story revolves around Ana Mendez (played by Megan Montaner), a young lawyer, who finds herself in the heart of the Panama Papers scandal. As she navigates through this world-altering event, Ana must battle the system, global media, and her personal ethical beliefs to attempt to rebuild her reputation and protect her family. The production is being handled by Q Films along with Spain’s El Sueño Eterno and Uruguay’s Criatura Cine. The film is scheduled for release on December 28, 2024.
“Interior,” (Pascal Schuh, Germany)
This captivating tale is inspired by real events. The burglar, Kasimir (portrayed by Daniil Kremkin), employs a clever trick: he breaks into homes using a concealed couch. His illicit recordings of private moments are then handed over to Dr. Liebermann (Knut Berger), who reviews them in an attempt to understand and experience emotions. The promising newcomer Schuh, a finalist for the 2022 Student Academy Awards, directs this film. U5 Filmproduktion is behind its production, with a scheduled premiere set for January 2025.
“Wolves,” (Jonas Ulrich, Switzerland)
This film is a captivating tale of a young woman’s tumultuous journey with the mysterious lead singer of a heavy metal band. This odyssey of self-exploration navigates the thin line between liberation and obsession. Notably, the central band in this production was created exclusively for this project, featuring Bartosz Bielenia from the critically acclaimed “Corpus Christi” as the lead vocalist. The movie is set to release in February 2025.
“Face to Face,” (Javier Marco, Spain, Belgium)
The full-length adaptation of Helmer’s acclaimed self-titled short film, “Josefina,” was nominated for three Goya Awards in 2022. In this feature, Sonia Almarcha portrays Lina, a well-known TV host, who visits the home of her social media critic (Manolo Solo), leading to an unexpected discovery that they share more similarities than differences. “Pecado Films,” “LaCima Producciones,” “Langosta Films” collaborate in its production with “Odessa Films,” “Biograf Capital AIE,” and “Bullet Proof Cupid.” The film is slated for release in March 2025.
List of Just Film Works in Progress:
Kids Projects
“Little Elephant in the Woods,” (The Nethertlands)
Directed by Meikeminne Clinckspoor for 100prcnt Film.
“Ella and Friends: Nature Calls,” (Finland)
Directed by Elin Grönblom for Don Films.
Youth/YA projects
“Aquarium,” (Georgia)
The film was produced under the direction of Tornike Bziava, working with Reactormonkey Films, Buni Productions, 29plus7 Pictures, Shengelaya Productions, and Arebato Films.
“Dirty Land,” (Portugal, Italy)
Directed by Luis Campos for Matiné.
“Emi,” (Argentina, Uruguay)
Directed by Ezequiel Erriquez Mena for Rita Cine.
“Secret Delivery,” (Czechia, Slovakia)
Directed by Ján Sebechlebský for 8Heads Productions.
“The River,” (Chile, Argentina)
Directed by Cristóbal García for Vórtice Films.
Baltic Events Works in Progress:
“Call Me Calendar,” (Latvia, Lithuania)
Directed by Juris Poškus for Madara Melberga.
“Our Erika,” (Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia)
Directed by German Golub for Filmivabrik.
“Sand in Your Hair,” (Lithuania, Latvia)
Directed by Mantas Verbiejus for Fralita Films.
“Renovation,” (Lithuania)
Directed by Gabrielė Urbonaitė for Studio Uljana Kim.
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2024-10-14 17:18