From Oscar-winning filmmakers to digital creators reaching millions, World Congress of Science & Factual Producers (WCSFP), hosted by PÖFF, brings the international factual community to Tallinn from 9-12 November 2026.
Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival is hosting the four-day Congress as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations. This is the first time the Congress has been held in Estonia and in Northern Europe. It brings together producers, broadcasters, commissioners, distributors, streaming platforms, scientists and digital creators to share ideas, explore ways to work together and discuss the future of factual storytelling.
With tighter budgets, changing viewing habits and YouTube and AI reshaping production, the programme tackles questions facing the industry: how to finance compelling work, reach audiences across platforms and turn new opportunities into sustainable businesses.
With nearly 40 sessions, featured speakers include Tony Pastor, co-founder of Goalhanger, Ian Shepherd of Electrify and Julie Walsh Smith of Complexly, whose businesses reach millions through podcasts and online video. Tom McDonald of National Geographic brings a broadcast perspective, while science communicator Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim reflects on her journey from YouTube to television. Physicist and BBC presenter Jim Al-Khalili discusses his own move onto YouTube.
The line-up also features David Borenstein, co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary Mr Nobody Against Putin, alongside Emmy-winning producer Jane Root, Emmy-winning producer and director Ric Esther Bienstock, and Colin Butfield, whose documentary work includes collaborations with David Attenborough.
PÖFF Director Tiina Lokk said that bringing an event of this scale to Tallinn reflects the strong international reputation of both PÖFF and its film industry event, Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event. “We’re proud that the congress has chosen us as a partner and that we can help connect international industry leaders with Estonia’s creative sector,” she said.
“We share PÖFF’s passion for innovation. That’s why we decided to hold the congress in Estonia for the first time, in a country recognised as one of the world’s most advanced digital societies,” said Patrick Hörl, Chair of the Congress Board.
Estonia’s researchers and audiences also play a prominent role in the programme. Neuroscientist Professor Jaan Aru joins CBC’s Anthony Morgan to explore what technology is doing to our brains, while a session on Estonian children’s viewing habits, co-hosted by physicist and science TV presenter Aigar Vaigu, considers what filmmakers can learn from young audiences. With Estonian students ranking number one in Europe for science, maths and computational problem-solving, the session will put their perspectives centre stage, exploring what science content they watch, where they find it and what keeps them coming back.
At Ideas Salon, delegates can meet Estonian researchers and discover scientific breakthroughs with potential for the screen. And in Lights, Camera, Estonia session, Edith Sepp, CEO of the Estonian Film Institute, will introduce the country's filming opportunities to international producers, exploring Estonia's production infrastructure, locations and potential for international co-productions.
Alongside the conference programme, WCSFP offers opportunities for the international factual community to connect and exchange ideas in a more informal setting. A highlight of this year's social programme will be a special performance by Puuluup, the Estonian duo who represented the country at the Eurovision Song Contest, bringing delegates together to experience a distinctive part of Estonia's contemporary music scene.
As a community-driven organization, each year WCSFP brings together nearly 600 industry executives and talent from over 30 countries. WCSFP offers opportunities to meet producers, commissioners, distributors, streamers and potential collaborators.
Confirmed companies attending include France TV / France TV Distribution, ARTE, CBC, NHK, ORF, CICC, National Geographic, PBS / PBS Distribution, GBH/NOVA, Goalhanger, Complexly, Electrify, BBC Studios / BBC Studios Science Unit, Windfall Films, 72 Films, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, SBS, ZDF, ITV Studios, TVF International, Autentic GmbH, First Hand Films, yap films, Cineflix Rights, Deutsche Welle, and many more.
This year's WCSFP is proudly presented with local cooperation by PÖFF and supported by Enterprise Estonia (EIS) and the European Union Cohesion Policy Funds, in cooperation with Visit Estonia and Visit Tallinn.
Explore the programme and register at wcsfp.com.