Editor

The Black Nights Film Festival opens its 18th edition on 14th November with ten films each competing for Tridens Baltic Sea and Nordic debut film award and North American film award and five films competing for the Estonian film award. The films in the Black Nights international competition will be announced in the beginning of November.
 
Two years ago Black Nights expanded the Baltic debut competition to cover the whole Baltic Sea and Nordic region. “The last two years have proven that this was a right move. Ten films in the competition represent the best of the whole region,” says Tiina Lokk, director of Black Nights. She is looking forward to see the Estonian new release “Cherry Tobacco” in the regional context.
 
“One of the most unique works in the programme is the Latvian “The Man in the Orange Jacket” – a horror movie with a rare atmosphere, quite uncommon in our region. In terms of genre also the “Domino Effect” that combines feature and documentary is remarkable,” comments Lokk.
The international jury including Dr Martin Botha (South Africa), Zaza Urushadze (Georgia) and Anu Veermäe-Kaldra (Estonia) will judge the entries of Tridens Baltic Sea and Nordic Debut Film competition. The award includes a grant of 5000 Euros by Tridens, the best cinematographer will receive 1000 Euros.
 
Tridens Baltic Sea and Nordic Debut Film competition:
“Inbetween Worlds” (Germany, director Feo Aladag)
“Domino Effect” (Poland-Germany, director Elwira Niewira & Pjotr Rosolowski)
“Cherry Tobacco” (Estonia, director Andres Maimik & Katrin Maimik)
“Amnesia” (Norway, director Nini Bull Robsahm)
“Life in a fishbowl” (Iceland-Czech Republic, director Baldvin Zophoníasson)
“Name me” (Russia, director Nigina Sayoffalaejeva)
“The Man in the Orange Jacket” (Latvia, director Aik Karapetian)
“The Quiet Roar (Sweden-Norway, director Henrik Hellström)
“They Have Escaped” (Finland, director Jukka-Pekka Valkeapää)
“When Animals Dream” (Denmark, director Jonas Alexander Arnby) 

This year’s best films from the USA and Canada are competing for the North American film award, crossing genre and language borders.
“This year’s North American competition is an example of the unlimited talent base of Canada and the US. One great story is “Felix and Meira” by Maxime Giroux that tells about a woman, who falls into an unexpected trap by always doing what’s expected from her,” Lokk describes.
The competition includes an international premiere – “Allure” by Vladan Nikolic. “This film, based on true stories, presents five women through the improvisation of the actors and the director, that finally cross paths,” says Lokk.
The jury of North American films includes Judy Ahn (South-Korea), Yohann Comte (France) and Kristjan Kongo (Estonia).

North American film competition:
“Allure” (USA, director Vladan Nikolic)
“Cold in July“ (USA, director Jim Mickle)
“Felix and Meira“ (Canada, director Maxime Giroux)
“I Origins“ (USA, director Mike Cahill)
“Mommy“ (Canada, director Xavier Dolan)
“Obvious Child“ (USA, director Gillian Robespierre)
“Spring“ (USA, director Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead)
“Tu dors Nicole“ (Canada, director Stephane Lafleur)
“Whiplash“ (USA, director Damien Chazelle)
“Wild“ (USA, director Jean Marc Vallee) 

The best Estonian feature film will be awarded a grant of 3200 Euros by Tridens. Black Nights will give the first award for the best young Estonian actor named after the Estonian-Polish film actor and singer Bruno Oja. “The grant for the best young actor was the initiative of the legendary Polish actor Daniel Olbrychski. The Bruno Oja Foundation will be part of the Black Nights and will give the award annually from now on,” assured Tiina Lokk.
The international jury Dr. Martin Botha (South Africa), ZAZA Urushadze (Georgia) and Anu Veermäe-Kaldra (Estonia) will judge Estonian film award candidates.

Estonian Film Award:
“In the Crosswinds” (Estonia, director Martti Helde)
“Cherry Tobacco” (Estonia, director Andres Maimik & Katrin Maimik)
“I Am Not Coming Back” (Estonia-Russia-Kazakhstan-Finland-Belorussia, director Ilmar Raag)
“Väikelinna detektiivid ja Valge Daami saladus” (Estonia, director Rene Vilbre)
“Landscape with Many Moons” (Estonia, director Jaan Toomik) 

The international competition programme of the 18th Black Nights Film Festival will be announced in the beginning of November. The grand prix for the best film will be awarded with 10 000 Euros from the city of Tallinn.
 
The International Film Producers’ Association has designated Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival as a non-specialized competitive festival. Black Nights Film Festival is the 15th international film festival to be inducted to that category by FIAPF. The most influential film festival of the European North Eastern region takes place from 14th to 30th November. Tickets will be on sale from 7th November.

Stills:
“Domino Effect”
“Felix and Meira”
“Cherry Tobacco"