Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event 2025 Celebrates Film Excellence

The winners of the 24th edition of the Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event, part of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF), have been announced. A total of 17 film projects received recognition across various stages of scriptwriting, development, and post-production. Among the honored projects are Dice-Cing-o-Mat, The Well, The Convulsions, and The Queen of England Stole My Parents. Two promising producers were also acknowledged for their contributions to the industry.

The event, which concluded on March 10, 2025, featured a session titled “Filming in Ukraine 2026,” highlighting the resilience of filmmakers in challenging circumstances. Earlier in the week, an international jury selected the drama series Wool as the most promising project during the fifth edition of the TV Beats Co-Financing Market. This project, a collaboration between writers Birkir Blaer Ingolfsson, Mladen Maticevic, Stephie Theodora, and Milena Dzambasovic, tells a true story that intertwines fashion and female empowerment in a rural and international context.

In another significant recognition, the Spanish project Dark Waters, directed by Víctor Garcia, received the Select Award from TV Drama Vision. The jury praised it for blending supernatural mystery with a climate-change thriller, drawing on mythological elements from Iceland and the Ebro Delta in Catalonia.

The TV Beats Co-Production Market Public Favorite Award was awarded to Nuclear Sunset Cruise, written and directed by Florian Gallenberger, known for his Academy Award-winning short film Quiero ser. This project showcases Gallenberger’s signature storytelling style, adding to his impressive filmography.

The Serial Bridges Baltic Best Project Award went to the Lithuanian film Therapies, a narrative about a professor facing unexpected challenges during chemotherapy. Written and directed by Birute Kapustinskaite, the film explores themes of resilience and community amidst personal struggle.

Recognition for Emerging Talent

The awards ceremony also highlighted emerging talent in the film industry. The Director-Composer Lab: Composing the Cut Workshop Award was given to Nicolò Braghiroli, who demonstrated exceptional creative skills during a session led by esteemed film composer Miriam Cutler. The jury noted Braghiroli’s ability to collaborate effectively with directors, showcasing a skill set that promises a bright future in film composition.

Two emerging cinematographers, Gemma De Miguel Morell from Spain and Tanel Topaasia from Estonia, received recognition for their outstanding work, earning Golden Tickets to a cinematography lab workshop. The jury highlighted the visual mastery displayed in their respective films, Cura Sana and In Between.

The Frame Within a Frame Lens Award was presented to Jolinna Ang from Singapore for her film I’ll Leave You Words. The jury praised her work for its striking visual poetry and captivating cinematography that enhances the narrative.

Acknowledging Future Projects

The Black Nights Film Festival also honored actors and actresses through the Black Nights Stars 2025 awards. Recipients included Freddie Mosten Jacob, Karolina Bruchnicka, Kasparas Varanavičius, and others, showcasing a diverse range of talent in the film industry.

The Script Pool Award, given to the most promising project, was awarded to White Ship, written and directed by Teresa Väli. The jury commended its bold and emotionally resonant story, which they believe has the potential to connect deeply with audiences.

In the Baltic Event Co-Production Market, the Best International Project award went to Prince, directed by Federico Borgia. This film was recognized for its evocative imagery and compelling narrative, creating a lasting impression on the jury.

The event concluded with the announcement of the Best Baltic Project, awarded to Dice-Cing-o-Mat, and the Public Favorite Award going to The Queen of England Stole My Parents. Both films exemplified creative storytelling and strong production values, leaving audiences eager for their release.

The Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event continues to foster innovation and excellence in film, providing a platform for emerging talents and established filmmakers alike. As the festival wraps up, it leaves a lasting impact on the global film community, setting the stage for future collaborations and creative endeavors.