The Critics’ Picks Competition of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF), dedicated to distinctive auteur cinema, is accepting submissions for its 2026 edition. Filmmakers can submit their films until 24 August.

The competition presents films that explore genre conventions while engaging in dialogue with film history. Its tightly curated line-up brings together some of the most daring voices in contemporary world cinema, paying particular attention to works that capture the cultural, political and social spirit of our time.

Critics’ Picks Competition, added to the programme four years ago, welcomes films from both emerging directors and established filmmakers. Rather than being defined by a particular genre, style or generation, the programme focuses on films with a clear artistic vision and an original approach to cinematic storytelling.

According to Nikolaj Nikitin, curator of the Critics’ Picks Competition, artistic quality and a strong vision across every aspect of filmmaking are the most important criteria when selecting films for the programme.

“Critics’ Picks aims to bridge the perceived gap between demanding arthouse films and audience-friendly cinema. My mission is to challenge the way arthouse cinema is often perceived – as inaccessible, sombre or difficult to engage with. This is particularly true of Eastern European films, which are still too often associated with stories that are bleak or difficult to watch,” says Nikitin.

“What distinguishes Critics’ Picks from similar sections at other festivals is that we do not want to present only challenging arthouse films. We are also looking for crossover films – works with a distinctive artistic voice that can reach and engage a wider audience.”

Inspired by similar sections at other A-category film festivals, Critics’ Picks presents a selection of up to ten feature films. Its compact format ensures that every selected work receives strong visibility within the festival programme and among the international audiences, critics and film industry professionals attending PÖFF.

Eligible films must be at least 70 minutes long, completed after 1 January 2026 and presented as World Premieres. The festival assesses the eligibility of each film individually and reserves the right to withdraw a film if its premiere status changes after its selection has been confirmed.

The Critics’ Picks jury presents two awards: Best Film, shared by the director and producer and Best Director.

Submissions for the Critics’ Picks Competition are open until 24 August 2026.

Submit your film and learn more

Photo: Still from Nino in Paradise by director Laurent Micheli, screened in the programme in 2025.