Unusual Films Highlight 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival

The 29th edition of the **Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival** (PÖFF) commenced on March 15, 2024, showcasing a diverse lineup of arthouse films and world premieres. Festival director **Tiina Lokk** has curated a selection that emphasizes unique storytelling, featuring both local and international films that challenge conventional narratives. With a mix of premieres and festival circuit highlights, this year’s offerings promise to engage audiences with their offbeat themes and innovative approaches.

Exploring Political and Cultural Dreams

Among the standout films is **Electing Ms Santa**, an observational documentary from **Moldova** that follows the ambitions of **Elena**, a 42-year-old woman determined to become mayor of her village. Directed by **Raisa Răzmeriță**, the film captures Elena’s community initiatives and her struggle against societal expectations. Over seven years, the documentary reveals her journey as she navigates family pressures and community resistance in pursuit of her dreams.

The festival also features **The Baronesses**, a film co-directed by **Nabil Ben Yadir** and **Mokhtaria Badaoui**. Set in **Brussels**, the story revolves around four grandmothers who decide to perform *Hamlet*, showcasing their unique blend of empowerment and cultural aspiration. As one character, **Fatima**, confronts her dashed hopes for a new home, she rekindles her long-held dream of acting, blending themes of resilience and creativity.

Unique Perspectives on Everyday Life

In **Scarecrows**, director **Laila Pakalniņa** takes viewers to **Riga International Airport**. The film reveals the humorous yet challenging interactions between humans and wildlife on the airport’s runways. It follows a team of “runway rangers” as they attempt to manage the presence of animals in a high-stakes environment, blending absurdity with observational humor.

**Interior**, a debut feature by **Pascal Schuh** from **Germany**, delves into the secret lives hidden within homes. The narrative centers on **Kasimir**, a burglar who uses a couch with a hidden compartment to film people’s private moments. The film raises questions about morality and voyeurism, prompting viewers to reflect on the nature of human experience.

Another notable documentary is **My Family and Other Clowns**, which follows the offspring of renowned Estonian clowns **Haide** and **Toomas**, known as **Piip and Tuut**. The film explores the complexities of family life when parents are often absent due to their careers. It captures the struggles of their daughter **Emma** as she balances her aspirations with the responsibilities of caring for her siblings.

Dramatic Narratives and Dark Humor

**18 Holes to Paradise**, directed by **João Nuno Pinto** from **Mozambique**, examines family dynamics in the face of environmental challenges. The film centers on a family debating the future of their father’s home amidst a raging wildfire, reflecting on themes of memory and progress. It offers a poignant exploration of the intersection between personal and ecological crises.

Kyrgyz filmmaker **Amanbek Azhymat** presents **Backstage Madness**, a comedic take on the filmmaking process. Through the lens of an elderly director, the film highlights the absurdities and challenges faced in the creative industry, promising an engaging mix of slapstick and character-driven humor.

Lastly, **K-Poper**, directed by **Ebrahim Amin**, explores a cultural clash in **Iran** as a teenage girl aspires to attend a K-pop concert in **Seoul**. The film captures the generational conflict between her ambitions and her conservative household’s expectations.

The **Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival** continues to push boundaries, inviting audiences to engage with diverse stories that reflect personal, cultural, and societal complexities. With its focus on innovative filmmaking and unique narratives, this year’s festival is poised to leave a lasting impression on the international film landscape.