PÖFF proudly welcomes an outstanding lineup of international filmmakers and actors — from acclaimed auteurs to rising stars — coming together in Tallinn to share their stories, premiere new works, and celebrate global cinema.
Across the festival, distinguished guests will be seen mentoring at Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event, walking the Black Carpet, and joining world and international premieres on the big screen.
Debra McGuire – A long-time costume designer and fine artist whose career spans nearly five decades, McGuire is known for her work on Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022), Game Night (2018), and the beloved television series Friends. Debra will be giving a masterclass on visual storytelling insights and she is also in the PÖFF’s Official Competition jury.
Nina Paskowitz – One of Hollywood’s most sought-after hair stylists, Paskowitz brings over 30 years of experience crafting iconic looks for legendary film characters. Her credits include The Mask, The Green Mile, Iron Man, Something’s Gotta Give, Meet the Fockers, Night at the Museum, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Nina is Head of the First Feature Competition jury.
Roberto Schaefer, ASC/AIC — an acclaimed cinematographer whose work spans feature films, commercials, and documentaries across the globe. Honoured by the American Film Institute for Best in Show and BAFTA-nominated for Finding Neverland, Schaefer is also a Golden Frog winner for his long-time collaboration with director Marc Forster. His credits include Stranger Than Fiction, The Kite Runner, Quantum of Solace, Miles Ahead, The United States vs. Billie Holiday, Westworld, and The Peripheral. A respected educator and member of ASC, AIC, AMPAS, BAFTA, and IMAGO, Schaefer continues to shape the craft of cinematography worldwide. Here at PÖFF, he will serve on the Official Competition jury and also be a mentor in the Frame Within the Frame.
Trine Dyrholm – Among Scandinavia’s most acclaimed actors, Dyrholm is celebrated for In a Better World (2010), A Royal Affair (2012), and Queen of Hearts (2019). She joins the festival as the lead in a new television series, The Danish Woman, featured in the TV Beats section of Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event. The first part of the series will be screened at TV Beats Screening.
Jessica Hausner– One of Europe’s most distinctive auteurs and a leading voice in contemporary art cinema, Hausner has earned international acclaim with films such as Lovely Rita, Hotel, Lourdes, Amour Fou, and Little Joe, all of which premiered at Cannes or Venice and received numerous awards. PÖFF will present her with an Honorary Award, and she will also deliver a masterclass on Crafting Atmosphere: The Symbiosis of Sound and Image in Jessica Hausner’s Cinema as part of Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event. In addition, a special retrospective programme, Hauntingly Captivating: A Tribute to Jessica Hausner, will celebrate her unique cinematic vision.
Cast of Think of England
Jack Bandeira – A rising British actor known for Lockwood & Co. (2023), Black Mirror, and Sex Education, Bandeira will be seen next in Amazon’s Blade Runner and as the lead in Vindicta. He arrives in Tallinn with Think of England by Richard Hawkins, premiering in the Official Competition Programme.
Ben Bela Böhm – The German actor, known for Bela Kiss: Prologue (2013) and Better Call Saul.
Natalie Quarry – A compelling new voice in British cinema, Quarry is quickly gaining attention for her authentic performances and emotional depth, also starring in the most recent TV series Call the Midwife.
Cast of Turn Up the Sun
Featured among this year’s guests is James McAvoy, appearing both as an actor in Turn Up the Sun and as a first-time director with his film California Schemin', screened in the Special Programme. Joining him are the Turn Up the Sun director Jamie Adams and producers Rebecca Miller and Cara Shine. Also in Tallinn, together with them, is Simon Pegg, who will share more about his visit — and his creative process — during a special boutique Creative Insights Q&A session.
Dar Salim – The acclaimed Danish actor, best known for his breakout role as Amir Diwan in the famous Danish TV series Borgen and his performance in Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant (2023), returns to PÖFF for the second time — this year with Hercules Falling, screening in the First Feature Competition Programme.
Maribel Verdú – The Spanish screen icon, renowned for Y Tu Mamá También (2001) and Pan’s Labyrinth (2006), comes for the festival with the film Under Your Feet which will be part of Midnight Shivers, Special Screening.
Sergei Loznitsa – The world-renowned Ukrainian director whose films have captivated audiences at Cannes, IDFA, and Venice. A former AI researcher who traded algorithms for the human soul, Loznitsa has directed over 30 award-winning documentaries and fiction films, including My Joy, Donbass, Babi Yar. Context, and Mr. Landsbergis. At PÖFF, he will present his latest film Two Prosecutors (Baltic Film Competition – Out of Competition).
Dechen Roder – The Bhutanese filmmaker behind I, the Song (2024), Bhutan’s Oscar submission and the first film from the country to premiere in PÖFF’s Critics’ Picks strand, joins this year’s Official Competition Jury.