War, Politics, and the Courage of Women with Bold Dreams: Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival Reveals Its 2025 Documentary Selections!
Imagine a world where stories of conflict, power struggles, and unbreakable female spirits collide on screen—drawing audiences into real-life narratives that challenge our views and ignite debate. The 2025 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, also known as PÖFF, has just announced its lineup of documentaries for the Doc@PÖFF International and Baltic competitions, marking a special milestone: for the first time, Baltic documentaries and feature films will compete in their own dedicated programs. But here's where it gets controversial—does separating these categories truly highlight regional voices, or does it risk sidelining them in a global spotlight?
This year's selection delves deep into a variety of themes, from the intricacies of family bonds and age-old cultural traditions to the raw realities of political intrigue and the devastation of warfare. These tales unfold across diverse corners of the globe, spanning from the rolling hills of Moldova to the towering peaks of the Himalayan mountains. Many of the films shine a spotlight on women who chase ambitious aspirations despite facing oppressive barriers and daunting obstacles—think of them as modern-day trailblazers turning adversity into art. For beginners exploring film festivals, documentaries are non-fiction films that capture real events, people, and ideas, often blending storytelling with investigative depth to educate and inspire.
As the organizers shared on Tuesday, this curated collection showcases how documentaries can mirror the complexities of human experience, proving that real stories often outshine scripted fiction in their ability to connect emotionally.
Curator Marianna Kaat puts it eloquently: 'The films in the Doc@PÖFF program unveil a turbulent world, where daring, creator-led pieces enchant through their quest for harmony and insight—showing that documentaries can rival, or even surpass, the thrill of made-up tales.' And this is the part most people miss—these films don't just entertain; they provoke thought and spark conversations about empathy in an increasingly divided world.
Judging the Doc@PÖFF International Competition is a stellar panel of experts: producer Tania El Khoury, who helms Khamsin Films in Beirut and Les Films de l’Altaï in Paris; Estonian producer Marianne Ostrat, behind Alexandra Film and Fork Film Animation Studio (you might recognize her from the Oscar-nominated Estonian documentary 'Smoke Sauna Sisterhood'); and German filmmaker and documentary director Daniel Abma, known for works like 'Beyond Wriezen,' 'Transit Havana,' and 'Autobahn.'
Meanwhile, the Baltic documentary competition jury boasts its own impressive lineup: Ana Fernández Saiz, a Spanish documentary advisor based in the U.K. and head of a specialized sales agency; Pamela Cohn, a multifaceted curator, journalist, nonfiction narrative expert, and host of the 'The Lucid Dreaming Podcast'; and Koen Suidgeest, the Dutch filmmaker, photographer, and educator celebrated for films such as 'Casting' and 'Karla’s Arrival.'
To give you a fuller picture, let's break down the complete lists of films in each category, with a bit more context where it helps beginners grasp the global appeal. For instance, these documentaries often explore social issues through personal lenses, making complex topics accessible and relatable.
Doc@PÖFF International Competition Films:
- 'Days of Wonder' (Finland), directed by Karin Pennanen – A poignant look at everyday marvels and human connections.
- 'Edge of the Night' (Estonia), directed by Vladimir Loginov – Probing the shadows of nighttime mysteries and societal edges.
- 'Electing Miss Santa' (Moldova, Romania), directed by Raisa Răzmeriță – An exploration of tradition, beauty, and community rituals in a festive contest.
- 'Far Away' (Turkey), directed by Tayfur Aydın – Delving into distances, both geographical and emotional, in a thoughtful narrative.
- 'The Feast of the Wolf' (Croatia, Serbia), directed by Jadran Boban – Uncovering themes of survival and nature's harsh realities.
- 'Goodbye Sisters' (France, Nepal), directed by Alexander Murphy – A heartfelt farewell to familial ties amidst cultural shifts.
- 'It’s Winter' (Iran, France), directed by Sajad Imani – Capturing the chill of seasonal change and personal introspection.
- 'The Lunch: A Letter to America' (Italy, USA), directed by Gianluca Vassallo – A metaphorical meal that critiques American culture from an outsider's view.
- 'Miss Jobson' (Spain, Jamaica), directed by Amanda Sans Pantling – Celebrating a woman's journey against the odds, highlighting resilience.
- 'One Day I Wish to See You Happy' (Ukraine, France), directed by Maryna Nikolcheva – Tracing hopes and dreams in a war-torn landscape.
Doc@PÖFF Baltic Competition Films:
- 'A Goodnight Kiss' (Lithuania, Estonia), directed by Giedrė Žickytė – Tender moments of affection and bedtime rituals with deeper meanings.
- 'BIX Almost Nirvana' (Lithuania), directed by Emilis Vėlyvis – A chase for enlightenment in the modern world.
- 'Happiness Is Living in Our Land' (Estonia), directed by Indrek Spungin – Finding joy and contentment in one's homeland.
- 'Holy Destructors' (Lithuania, France), directed by Aistė Žegulytė – Examining faith, upheaval, and transformation.
- 'Laguna' (France, Lithuania), directed by Sharunas Bartas – Reflecting on serene waters and inner peace.
- 'The Last Will' (Lithuania), directed by Jānis Ābele – Dealing with legacies and final wishes.
- 'Lost Stars of the Horoscope' (Estonia), directed by Katrina Lehismäe – Navigating fate and cosmic influences on life.
- 'My Family and Other Clowns' (Estonia), directed by Heilika Pikkov, Liina Särkinen – Blending humor and family dynamics in unexpected ways.
- 'Not Made for Politics' (Belarus), directed by Volia Chajkouskaya – Challenging the role of individuals in political arenas.
- 'Scarecrows' (Latvia, Lithuania), directed by Laila Pakalnina, Laila Pakalniņa – Symbolizing protection, folklore, and rural life.
- 'I’m Time to the Target' (Latvia, Czechia, Ukraine), directed by Vitaly Mansky – Aiming for goals amidst time's relentless march.
As we wrap up this exciting announcement, what do you think? Do films like these have the power to influence real-world change, or are they just mirrors of our polarized society? Some might argue that portraying women 'daring to dream big' reinforces a narrative of triumph over adversity, while others see it as overlooking systemic issues. Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree that documentaries can be more captivating than fiction, or do you have a different take? Let's discuss!
