URGENT UPDATE: The Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival has just announced its exciting lineup for the TV Beats Co-Financing Market, featuring eight premium series from across Europe. This event will take place on November 17-18, 2023, in the Estonian capital. Among the standout titles are the true-events-inspired “The Abduction of Yossele Schumacher” by Eran Riklis and “Nuclear Sunset Cruise” from Oscar winner Florian Gallenberger.
This year’s selection is particularly notable, as it comes from a record 56 applications, a surge of 40% compared to last year. The competition has attracted some of the finest talents in Europe, all vying for the prestigious €50,000 Council of Europe Series Co-Production Development Award. The stakes are high, and the buzz is palpable.
Petri Kemppinen, co-head of the TV Beats Forum, emphasized the increased quality of applications, stating, “Compared to last year, we had many more applications and projects of a higher quality.” This clearly demonstrates the heightened interest in co-production opportunities, especially for indie producers navigating a challenging funding landscape.
The eight selected series represent a diverse array of genres and themes, reflecting a global narrative landscape. Highlights include:
– “The Abduction of Yossele Schumacher” (6×60’, Israel): A gripping drama about the abduction of a Jewish boy, exploring themes of faith and identity.
– “Nuclear Sunset Cruise” (4×45’, Germany): A dark comedy set against the backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis, offering a unique perspective on Cold War tensions.
– “Helsinki 1939” (6×45’, Finland): A historical drama that delves into the truth amidst wartime propaganda.
Kemppinen noted, “Crime is still a favored genre, but there are also fascinating true stories with a bit of nostalgia.” This sentiment is echoed by Roosa Toivonen, co-head of the TV Beats Forum, who highlighted the growing popularity of Cold War themes, stating, “It speaks with timely relevance” in today’s polarized world.
In addition to the co-financing market, the festival will host its second Screening Day and launch the Midpoint Series Launch training program for emerging professionals from Central and Eastern Europe, alongside a new initiative called Serial Bridges Baltics.
With so much talent and innovation on display, the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival promises to be a major event in the international film calendar. As the festival approaches, industry professionals and enthusiasts alike should stay tuned for further details on this exciting showcase of European storytelling.
For more insights and updates from the festival, keep an eye on developments as they unfold. This is a pivotal moment for co-productions in Europe, and the excitement is just beginning.