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Unveiling the future of cinema: A preview of Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event Works in Progress
Introduction to the Industry@Tallinn & Baltic event
The renowned Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event, a pivotal part of the Black Nights Film Festival, has revealed 17 promising films from 15 different countries. These films are set to feature in the highly anticipated Works in Progress sessions, which encompass three categories: International Works in Progress, Baltic Event Works in Progress (highlighting Baltic and Finnish talent), and Just Film Works in Progress (focusing on children and youth).
Highlighting diverse cinematic projects
This year’s lineup is as eclectic and dynamic as ever, with projects in various stages of production seeking sales, funding, and festival platforms. These films will be pitched to over 500 industry delegates representing more than 45 countries on November 21-22.
International works in progress: Exploring global narratives
A closer look at notable projects
Among the standout projects is “Papers”, directed by the acclaimed Panamanian filmmaker Arturo Montenegro. The film delves into the notorious Panama Papers scandal and features stars like Megan Montaner and Carlos Bardem. Montenegro, known for his previous Oscar contenders “Everybody Changes” and “Birthday Boy,” brings his unique vision to this gripping drama.
In the realm of directorial debuts, we have “Wolves” by Jonas Ulrich, a 2020 Locarno Golden Leopard winner. This coming-of-age drama explores a young woman’s complex relationship with a metal band frontman, blurring the lines between freedom and fanaticism.
Technical insight into filmmaking mastery
Pascal Schuh’s “Interior” offers a fascinating glimpse into the intricate storytelling techniques in modern cinema. The film follows a burglar who uses a hollow couch to secretly film people’s private moments. The recordings are bestowed to Dr. Liebermann, who uses them to learn how to feel emotions, presenting a unique narrative style that blends intrigue with psychological depth.
Baltic event works in progress: Local stories with universal appeal
Trends and themes in Baltic cinema
The Baltic region brings four compelling social dramas to the table this year. Helen Räim, manager of the Baltic Event section, emphasizes that these narratives share themes of love, desire, belonging, and societal expectations. This year, Lithuania stands out with strong contributions, including Gabrielė Urbonaitė’s “Renovation”, a film about a young woman’s existential crisis and her unexpected attraction to a Ukrainian construction worker.
Innovative storytelling from Estonia
From Estonia, rising talent German Golub presents “Our Erica”, a biopic about Erika Salumäe, the first Estonian female athlete to win an Olympic gold medal. The film’s narrative structure promises to capture the spirit and determination of Salumäe, highlighting Golub’s ability to blend factual storytelling with cinematic flair.
Just film works in progress: Cultivating young audiences
Engaging content for younger viewers
The Just Film section boasts its largest slate ever, with two children’s projects and five youth-focused films. These films narrate diverse tales from different cultures and times, aiming to resonate with teenagers and young adults alike.
Noteworthy projects for younger demographics
High-profile titles include “Little Elephant in the Woods” by Dutch filmmaker Meikeminne Clinckspoor, and “Dirty Land”, marking the directorial debut of Portugal’s Luis Campo. These films are noted for their rich storytelling and ability to engage younger audiences through compelling and relatable narratives.
Industry recognition and awards
Celebrating excellence in filmmaking
Projects from both the International and Baltic Event Works in Progress categories are in the running for the prestigious €7,000 Best Project Award, partially sponsored by Prague-based post-production house Studio Beep. This recognition not only highlights the creativity and hard work of the filmmakers but also provides them with crucial support to bring their visions to fruition.
Insights from the jury
The esteemed jury includes industry leaders such as Casey Baron, the U.S. programming lead for the Tribeca Film Festival, and Julie Marnay, program manager for First Cut Lab. Their expertise and discerning eye will ensure that the most promising projects receive the accolades they deserve.
Conclusion
The Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event continues to be a beacon for innovative and diverse filmmaking. With a lineup that promises to captivate and inspire, these Works in Progress sessions are a testament to the vibrant future of cinema. Share your thoughts on these exciting projects and stay tuned for more insightful updates on the world of film.
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