The Doc@PÖFF International and Baltic Competitions of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) are inviting submissions for the festival’s 30th edition. Documentary filmmakers can submit their films until 24 August 2026.

Dedicated to feature-length creative documentaries, Doc@PÖFF showcases compelling real-life stories shaped by a bold cinematic vision.

“Documentary cinema allows us to experience the world through perspectives we might otherwise never encounter. We are looking for films with a distinctive authorial voice, including stories from countries that may be underrepresented at international festivals,” says Marianna Kaat, Head of Doc@PÖFF.

According to Kaat, the festival’s audience also plays an important role in the selection process. “Our audiences are knowledgeable and expect us to present films of exceptional quality and originality.”

Launched in 2024, Doc@PÖFF expanded into two competitions in 2025, establishing a dedicated showcase for Baltic documentaries alongside its international selection. Each competition will present ten films in 2026.

Doc@PÖFF Baltic Competition: A Springboard to International Festivals

The Doc@PÖFF Baltic Competition highlights documentaries from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, strengthening their visibility among international audiences.

“Taking part in the Baltic Competition gives filmmakers from our region an opportunity to present their work to international level. In recent years, we have seen how the competition can open doors to other international film festivals,” says Kaat.

Eligible films must be at least 70 minutes long and completed after 1 January 2026. Priority will be given to world and international premieres.

The Doc@PÖFF International Competition welcomes feature-length documentaries on all subjects from around the world. Eligible films must be at least 70 minutes long, completed after 1 January 2026 and presented as world premieres at PÖFF.

Doc@PÖFF Alongside a Major Gathering for Factual Storytelling

As part of its 30th-anniversary celebrations, PÖFF will host the World Congress of Science and Factual Producers - (WCSFP) in Tallinn from 9–12 November 2026.

WCSFP is a leading international forum for science, history and factual storytelling. Each year, it brings together nearly 600 producers, broadcasters, commissioners, distributors, streamers, scientists and digital creators from more than 30 countries to exchange ideas, explore industry trends and forge new partnerships.

“We hope WCSFP delegates will have the opportunity to meet the filmmakers participating in the Doc@PÖFF International and Baltic Competitions and discover potential partners for future projects,” Kaat adds.

The extended submission deadline of Docs@PÖFF is 17 August, followed by the final deadline on 24 August 2026. Films must be submitted through FilmFreeway.

The 30th PÖFF will take place from 6–22 November 2026 in Tallinn, Estonia.

Photo: Still from My Family and Other Clowns, Jury Special Prize at Doc@PÖFF Baltic Competition 2025