See Unsee summary
Eighteen new film projects from across Europe and beyond are set to be unveiled during the Works in Progress showcase at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. These selections, currently in production or post-production, offer a glimpse into the future of global cinema and are looking for distribution and festival exposure.
A place for bold cinema in motion
Every year, the Works in Progress section at PÖFF becomes a hub for discovery. This year’s lineup is once again divided into three strands: International Works in Progress, Baltic Event Works in Progress, and Just Film Works in Progress. What unites them is ambition, vision, and a certain urgency—it’s clear many of these films come from regions navigating difficult realities, especially Ukraine’s continued presence in the selection.
Triin Tramberg, project manager of the International section, stressed the importance of showcasing Ukrainian filmmakers who continue to work under extraordinary circumstances. Out of 80 international submissions, only a handful were chosen, making this a highly selective and, in some cases, deeply personal collection of stories. One returning name is Spanish producer Alba Sotorra (Upon Entry), who brings with her Salen Las Lobas, a powerful youth-centered drama.
Across sections, you feel that blend of raw energy and untamed invention. From intimate psychological portraits to eccentric comedies and fantastical children’s films, there’s something courageous about each project. To read Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton face off in 2026’s Apex trailer
International Works in Progress: Diverse voices, urgent themes
This section brings together eight features from a rich spread of countries—France, Spain, Montenegro, Uruguay, Ukraine, Turkey, Germany, and beyond. I’m particularly intrigued by Crickets Sing in the Rye, a Ukrainian drama directed by Yevhen Khvorostianko. The title is already poetic, and given the context in which it was made, I expect a film that whispers rather than shouts, but leaves a mark.
Here’s a quick summary of the international lineup:
- The Convulsions (France/Spain) – Psychological drama directed by David Gutiérrez Camps
- Crickets Sing in the Rye (Ukraine) – Directed by Yevhen Khvorostianko
- Happiness Is Just a Blue Couch Away (Montenegro) – A nuanced drama from Andrija Mugoša
- Kira’s Dream (Ukraine) – A musical drama helmed by Denys Kolesnikov
- Prince (Uruguay/Argentina) – A dramedy by Federico Borgia
- Rahma (Turkey/Bulgaria/Greece) – Family drama by Faysal Soysal
- Salen Las Lobas (Spain/Belgium) – Youth-focused social drama, from Claudia Estrada Tarascó and Alba Sotorra
- Superbuhei (Germany) – Dark comedy-thriller directed by Josef Brandl
Watching these films evolve from pitch to finished cut is part of the magic. You see fragments of potential that—if supported right—can turn into festival standouts.
Baltic Event Works in Progress: Homegrown talents take flight
The Baltic focus reveals a crop of exciting filmmakers building strong cinematic identities in Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. Whether through bold genre shifts or psychological tension, there’s a curiosity here to push local stories into international conversations.
I’m keeping an eye on Mo Hunt, an Estonian thriller by Eeva Mägi. The title alone suggests survival, danger, and possibly something mythic or grounded in local folklore. I’ve always been drawn to Eastern European thrillers when they aim for psychological depth rather than just plot mechanics. To read Ranking Shyamalan’s Hits: Which Film Defines His Legacy?
The Baltic selection includes:
- Dice-Ching-O-Mat (Lithuania/Estonia/Latvia) – A fantasy drama by Kristijonas Vildziunas
- Mo Hunt (Estonia) – Thriller from Eeva Mägi
- Kingpins (Latvia) – Crime comedy by Kristians Riekstiņš
- Lex Julia (Finland/Poland/Estonia/Sweden) – Psychological drama by Laura Hyppönen
- Something Real (Estonia/Lithuania) – Thriller-drama from Evar Anvelt
- The Wedding Day (Latvia/Czech Republic) – Musical dramedy from Marta Elīna Martinsone
For anyone tracking Baltic cinema’s evolution, this section is a must-watch space where styles and storytelling ambitions keep expanding.
Just Film Works in Progress: Films for young minds, crafted with care
Finally, the youth-centered section—Just Film Works in Progress—adds a refreshing dimension. These are films aimed at children and young adults, and they often hide deeper themes under accessible formats. I’ve always believed that some of the most inventive storytelling happens in youth cinema, far away from franchise noise.
Suiza, a Peruvian-Argentine project directed by Maria Fernanda Gonzales, caught my attention. Not much is known yet, but the very idea of a Latin American youth drama crossing into Baltic territory is exciting.
Highlights from Just Film:
- Morten (Estonia/Lithuania) – A youth story from Ivan Pavljutshkov
- Office of Magical Forces (Ukraine) – Family adventure by Dmytro Avdieiev
- Suiza (Peru/Argentina) – Drama from Maria Fernanda Gonzales
- Tanit (Spain) – Supernatural children’s film from Pep Garrido
It’s hard not to be slightly moved by the ambition here—working in genres that aren’t always guaranteed global exposure, these filmmakers are trying to engage the next generation with creativity, wonder, and emotional truth.
More than a showcase
Every PÖFF Works in Progress selection reminds me of why I fell in love with cinema. It’s not just about the polished final cut. It’s about watching an idea grow, facing doubts, solving impossible problems, and finally reaching the screen.
What this year’s lineup shows is a commitment to voices that need to be heard—debut talent, war-zone filmmakers, genre risk-takers—and to stories that remind you of human complexity in all its forms. Whether I end up reviewing one or several of these titles in the coming year, I already know some of them will stay with me long after the credits.
