PÖFF 2026 film festival: Baltic focus, dates and tickets

Every November, Tallinn turns into the center of Northern European cinema. In 2026, the PÖFF Black Nights Film Festival runs for the 30th time: from November 6 to 22 (according to the festival's official website).

Below, we break down what awaits audiences in the anniversary year and how to plan your trip.

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What PÖFF is and why it is a class A festival

💡 In short:

• The 30th PÖFF Black Nights Film Festival takes place in Tallinn in November 2026.
• The main theme of the anniversary edition: cinema of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
• Dates and tickets: 09/2026, verified on the official PÖFF website

The Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, also known as PÖFF, was founded in 1997 on the initiative of journalist and director Tiina Lokk (according to Wikipedia). Over three decades, it has grown into one of the largest film festivals in Northern Europe. In 2014, FIAPF raised its status to category A.

Only a few festivals in the world hold this status: Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Karlovy Vary, San Sebastián. For you, this means access to world premieres and retrospectives that never make it to regular cinemas.

The program is built around several competitions. The main one, EurAsia, brings together feature films from around the world. Separate competitions are dedicated to debuts, Baltic cinema, documentaries, and short films. A children's and youth program called Just Film runs in parallel.

2026 Program: focus on the Baltics

The anniversary edition is dedicated to Baltic cinema: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania (according to the festival's official website). Guests will see local premieres that rarely travel beyond the region.

The visual style of the anniversary was created by Estonian artist and director Priit Pärn.

The format is familiar: world premieres, meetings with directors, and post-screening discussions. The schedule is published on the festival's website closer to the opening, and the program is updated until the last day.

Tallinn and Tartu: how to get to screenings

The main screenings take place in cinemas in central Tallinn. The festival's opening and closing are staged as big shows with a red carpet. Check the venue map on the festival's official website: this way you can choose a hall near your hotel.

In different years, Tartu has also hosted individual PÖFF screenings. The Tartu Love Film Festival (Tartuff) takes place there in August and is not part of the November program.

Tickets and passes are sold on the festival's website. PÖFF30 passes are already on sale, and their price depends on the number of screenings. Tickets for individual screenings open closer to November. Book premieres in advance, otherwise you will only get daytime screenings.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When does the festival take place in 2026?

The anniversary PÖFF Black Nights Film Festival runs from November 6 to 22, 2026 (according to the PÖFF website). Screenings span 17 days and cover almost all of Tallinn. The opening and closing are turned into big shows, and the program is updated until the last day of the festival.

How is PÖFF different from other festivals?

It is the only competitive film festival in Northern Europe with FIAPF category A accreditation. For you, this means a strong competition program, world premieres, and retrospectives of classics.

Where can I watch films in Tallinn and Tartu?

The main screenings take place in Tallinn cinemas, and the venue map is published on the festival's website. Tartu is connected to PÖFF through the August Tartu Love Film Festival (Tartuff). Evening screenings on weekends are more popular, so plan them in advance and leave extra time for travel between venues.

How much does a ticket cost and when should I buy it?

Passes and tickets are sold on the festival's website. Book weekend premieres in advance, otherwise you will only get morning screenings or seats in the back rows.

Is it worth going with children?

Yes, PÖFF has a children's and youth program called Just Film. It is designed for different age groups. Choose daytime screenings: they are calmer for families, and between screenings you can take a walk through the Old Town.

In short: what to book

PÖFF runs for 17 days, and its evening program is very packed. If you are going to premieres, check out hotels in Tallinn on Trip.com. If you want to add walks between screenings, book tours on GetYourGuide.

If you are on a short trip: get tickets for the competition program. If you are with children: add daytime Just Film screenings. If you love food: combine cinema with dinner in the Old Town.

Check dates and tickets on the festival's website.