This weekend, Latvian filmmakers and industry professionals will be making a strong presence at PÖFF Shorts (Black Nights Film Festival) in Tallinn — with several films across competition programmes and active participation in the festival’s industry events.
Firstly, one can’t miss the Shorts Live-Action Competition where Latvia will be represented by Reinis Ūbelis short film No No Place Hotel, which will celebrate its World Premiere.
The Shorts New Talents Competition is highlighting our growing talents and includes Andrejs Brīvulis animation Cleanliness as well as live-action Centre of The Spiral, directed by Dāvis Gauja.
In the programme Rebels With Their Shorts – a short film programme dedicated to films that defy the techniques of conventional filmmaking – audiences will see Ildze Felsberga’s Where Does The Sun Sleep at Night?, while Anna Ramane’s Lemon Moon appears in the Shorts Alternatives – “Poetry Shorts” programme.
Latvian participation also extends to the industry section! The second edition of Short Industry Shortcut runs from 14-15 November 2025 in Tallinn, Estonia. The two-day event aims to support the careers of a new generation of filmmakers in the short film industry, while taking a look at current trends in (short) film and strengthening ties between the Baltic and wider international short film communities. The event will be filled with masterclasses, panel discussions, and lectures including award-winning directors.
- Laima Graždanoviča, Programme Director of 2ANNAS ISFF, joins the “Boutique Short Film Festivals” panel within Shorts Industry Shortcut 2025.
- Animator, curator and director Anna Zača will moderate the discussion “Short Films, Shared Struggles: A Pan-European Exchange (In Collaboration with the Emile Awards)”.
- Anna Zača as well as Laima Graždanoviča, Emils Alps (2ANNAS ISFF Producer), and Diāna Trope (Head of the Latvian Short Film Agency and Industry Events at 2ANNAS ISFF) will also participate in One-to-One Meetings: Meet the Short Film Professionals.
Latvia’s dynamic representation at PÖFF Shorts highlights the strength and diversity of its short film scene — from emerging voices to established creators.
“In recent years, Baltic short films have gained remarkable visibility on the international festival circuit—not as regional curiosities, but as distinct artistic voices. This success reflects a growing confidence among Baltic filmmakers to experiment, collaborate, and explore universal themes through a uniquely local lens. It’s inspiring to see these films resonate globally while staying true to their cultural roots. Our greatest strength lies in this spirit of collaboration—supporting one another, sharing knowledge, and growing together. With that foundation, the future of Baltic short film is bright, driven by a new generation of bold, connected storytellers ready to make their mark,” comments Diana Trope, the head of Latvian Short Film Agency.
Learn more:
About industry events: https://industry.poff.ee/industry-events-search/
About film programmes: https://poff.ee/en/programmes/
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