The 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival concluded on November 23, 2023, celebrating an array of cinematic achievements, particularly in family dramas. The festival, which has grown significantly in prestige, awarded the Grand Prix to Julia de Paz Solvas’s poignant film, “The Good Daughter.” This Catalan family drama triumphed, garnering three major awards, including Best Actress for non-professional Kiara Arancibia, whose performance was described by the jury as “mesmerizing.”
The jury, which included notable figures such as director Teona Strugar Mitevska and costume designer Debra McGuire, praised the film’s authentic portrayal of a teenage girl navigating complex family dynamics. They highlighted its sensitive handling of difficult themes and the understated cinematography that enhanced the narrative. During her acceptance speech, De Paz Solvas expressed gratitude to her co-author, Núria Dunjó, emphasizing their mission to reclaim fundamental children’s rights in the face of violence.
Significant Themes and Awards
Family emerged as a central theme across many award-winning films at the festival, including Turkey’s “LikeLike,” which secured awards for Best Director and Best Original Score. Germany’s “The Frog and the Water” earned accolades for both Aladdin Detlefsen and Kanji Tsuda for their performances as brothers by choice.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine also resonated through several films, reminding attendees of the importance of resilience and community. Norwegian screenwriter Ståle Stein Berg remarked during the ceremony, “In times like these, comedy is part of our mental survival toolkit.” His political satire, “No Comment,” won Best Screenwriter in the main competition, emphasizing the role of art in challenging times.
Danish filmmaker Christian Bonke, whose film “Hercules Falling” addresses PTSD, received both the Fipresci Award and Best Film in the First Feature Competition. He dedicated his film to war victims, voicing concerns about the ongoing military conflicts that overshadow diplomatic solutions.
A Showcase of International Talent
The festival attracted nearly 860 accredited guests from around 50 countries, showcasing 252 feature films and 275 shorts from 79 nations. This included 111 world premieres and 31 international premieres, underscoring the festival’s status as one of the world’s top film events alongside Cannes and Berlin.
Lithuania had a standout presence, securing nine wins across various categories, marking a strong showing for its burgeoning film industry. Gabriele Urbonaite, who won the Best Director award for “Renovation,” remarked on the necessity of art to connect communities, especially in light of shared histories of occupation in the Baltic region.
Finland also performed well, with its film “Days of Wonder” winning Best Film at the Doc@PÖFF International Competition, and newcomer Siiro Halto winning the €20,000 ($23,000) Eurimages Co-Production Development Award for “The Well.”
The festival also celebrated animation, honoring Estonian master Janno Põldma for his contributions to children’s films. Marge Liiske, head of Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event, stressed the importance of film literacy and education for young audiences.
As the festival director, Tiina Lokk, noted, the focus remains on the art of film rather than glamour, stating, “I can see that producers, filmmakers, and distributors finally understand our DNA and send us their film gems for us to showcase.” With the 30th anniversary approaching, anticipation is high for what the next festival will bring.