The Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) is ushering in a new era with significant leadership transitions, aiming to bolster its artistic vision and global outreach. Triin Tramberg has been named the new artistic director, signaling a fresh perspective for the esteemed cinematic event. Concurrently, Tiina Lokk, the festival's long-standing director, will now dedicate her expertise to the overall strategic and developmental trajectory of PÖFF, while continuing in her role as CEO. These pivotal changes come as the Baltic film festival anticipates its 30th anniversary celebration this November, reaffirming its commitment to cinematic innovation and fostering international partnerships.
The festival's renewed focus extends to nurturing emerging talent and enriching its programming. Triin Tramberg, a seasoned film curator with over 15 years of experience at PÖFF, has played a crucial role in establishing the festival's international prominence through various initiatives, including Script Pool and Industry@Tallinn's Discovery Campus. Under her new leadership, the festival aims to further refine its curatorial identity, championing bold cinematic voices and maintaining a close connection with its diverse audience. Supporting Tramberg's vision are new appointments: Dhanushka Gunathilake, an acclaimed cinematographer, will lead the Discovery Campus, and Malaika Bova, an experienced international film curator, will oversee the First Feature Competition. Furthermore, Jan-Joonas Pevkur will take the helm as program director for Just Film, PÖFF’s youth and children’s film festival, with Mikk Granström transitioning to administrative manager of the main festival.
These strategic leadership appointments underscore PÖFF's dedication to continuous evolution and its mission to remain a vibrant platform for cinematic art. The festival's proactive approach in empowering experienced professionals to steer its artistic and talent development programs reflects a forward-thinking ethos. By embracing change and entrusting leadership to individuals with deep industry knowledge and a passion for film, PÖFF is set to inspire and uplift the global film community, ensuring its legacy as a beacon of artistic excellence and innovation for years to come.