Imagine a world where the raw power of storytelling collides with the unyielding realities of war, politics, and the indomitable spirit of women who refuse to be silenced. This is the world the 2025 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) invites you to explore through its newly unveiled documentary lineup. For the first time, the festival separates Baltic documentaries and feature films into distinct programs, offering a deeper dive into the region's cinematic voice.
But here's where it gets even more compelling: this year’s selection isn’t just about films—it’s about stories that challenge, inspire, and provoke. From the intimate dynamics of family relationships to the sweeping landscapes of the Himalayas, these documentaries traverse the globe, shedding light on themes as diverse as tradition, conflict, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. And this is the part most people miss: many of these films center on women who dare to dream big, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Festival organizers shared on Tuesday, “This year’s lineup spans the world, from Moldova to the Himalayan mountains, exploring themes like family, tradition, politics, and war. What’s truly remarkable is how many of these stories celebrate women who defy restrictive circumstances to pursue their ambitions.”
Curator Marianna Kaat adds, “The Doc@PÖFF program reveals a world in flux, where bold, author-driven documentaries seek balance and understanding. These films prove that documentaries can be even more captivating than fiction, drawing viewers into real-world narratives with unparalleled depth.”
But here’s where it gets controversial: Who decides which stories deserve to be told, and whose voices are amplified? The Doc@PÖFF International Competition jury includes producer Tania El Khoury, founder of Khamsin Films (Beirut) and Les Films de l’Altaï (Paris); Estonian producer Marianne Ostrat, founder of Alexandra Film and Fork Film Animation Studio; and German filmmaker Daniel Abma, known for works like Beyond Wriezen and Transit Havana. Together, they bring a global perspective to the table, but will their choices reflect the diversity of the stories presented?
The Baltic doc competition jury is equally impressive, featuring Ana Fernández Saiz, a U.K.-based Spanish documentary consultant; Pamela Cohn, curator, journalist, and host of The Lucid Dreaming Podcast; and Dutch filmmaker Koen Suidgeest. Here’s the question that lingers: With such diverse expertise, will their selections challenge conventional narratives or reinforce them?
Below is the full lineup of documentaries, each a testament to the power of storytelling in its rawest form.
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
Now, here’s the question we leave you with: In a world where documentaries are increasingly shaping public opinion, whose stories are being told—and whose are being left out? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Will these films challenge your perspective, or will they reinforce what you already believe? The conversation starts here.
