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Just Film, the youth and children’s film festival of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF), celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and opens today with a record number of premieres. The festival will launch with the international premiere of Leo & Lou, a heartwarming dramedy directed by Carlos Solano, followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers.
According to Mikk Granström, Programme Director of Just Film, the festival has evolved significantly over the past 25 years. “The programme has grown in scale, and every year hundreds of filmmakers from around the world visit Just Film. We have developed a dedicated industry platform – Just Film Industry Days – actively promote film education year-round, and create opportunities for young people to make and present their own films. Together, these elements form something truly special: audiences are not only watching films – they are growing and evolving along with them,” he said.
A Record Number of Premieres
For the first time in the festival’s history, the International Youth Film Competition Programme will consist exclusively of world and international premieres. The International Children’s Film Competition includes ten films, six of which will also have their world or international premiere at Just Film.
“Filmmakers have entrusted us with more premieres than ever before. These films have never been seen anywhere else, and our young audiences will be among the first in the world to experience them. In our two main programmes – the Youth Film Competition and the Children’s Film Competition – that is a remarkable achievement. I hope to see you all in the cinema to celebrate the art of film together,” Granström noted.
This year’s International Children’s and Youth Film Competition features a total of 20 films, including world, international, and Baltic premieres. In addition to the youth jury, a three-member international jury will award the Grand Prix, valued at €3,000.
In total, 53 titles will premiere across the festival’s various programmes. The lineup includes films for toddlers, children, and teenagers, as well as documentaries, films addressing children’s rights. This year, for the first time, audiences will have a chance to experience the fascinating world of anime in a special programme. The special #YoungFilmmaker programme will once again shine a spotlight on films created by young Estonian filmmakers, presented on the big screen. Learn more about the programmes
Granström also highlighted the festival’s distinctive programming approach: “Just Film showcases bold works that address meaningful topics. Our audience – children, teenagers, and young adults – values authenticity and stories that genuinely resonate. Screening their films here offers filmmakers a rare chance to receive honest, immediate feedback from young viewers.”
The festival will host more than 100 international guests, many of whom will participate in Q&A sessions following screenings. Read more here
For the third year in a row, Just Film together with Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event also organises Just Film Industry Days that include pitching sessions, panel talks, case studies, presentations and more for people involved and interested in films and media content for children and young audiences.
The 25th Just Film Festival takes place from 7–23 November. As one of Estonia’s largest cultural events for young audiences, the festival screens over 50 films each year and attracts around 20,000 visitors.
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