Shorts National Competition 2 (2021)

Festival
PÖFF Shorts 2021
Programme
Shorts National Competition

The world still feels small. Even though many of us are moving into some sort of normality – whatever ‘normal’ is nowadays – the endless stretches of isolation and distancing have conspired to make life seem more constrained and fragile. Yet cinema – and the films in the PÖFF Shorts International Competition – reminds us that there is still a whole community of humanity out on a big planet full of wonder. That there are people who – even if we have differences – we share a connection with and whose stories show us that any isolation is ultimately temporary.
While the pandemic is touched upon in the programme, the films here remind us that the everyday struggles of humanity still go on. There are loves to be found and hearts to be broken. There are corporations to fight and death to confront. There are mysteries to solve and joy and laughter to be had.

With a range of styles and genres, from dark drama to fun comedy with a little detour into the realms of magical realism, all the filmmakers in the International Competition not only astound with their talent but become a constant source of reminding us that we are still together, even if we have felt far apart.

Laurence Boyce and Tara Karajica

Films

World premiere

Till We Meet Again

Local title
Taaskohtumine
Original title
Taaskohtumine
Director
Ülo Pikkov
Country
Estonia
Year
2021
Programme
Shorts National Competition

An animated documentary about an old lady who returns home after sixty years. The film is based on a true story and taking place on a remote island of Baltic sea. All objects in the film are made of materials found on that island, island Ruhnu.

Director
Ülo Pikkov
Runtime

World premiere

Old Men and the Sea

Local title
Vanad mehed ja meri
Director
Daria Litvichenko
Country
Estonia
Year
2020
Programme
Shorts National Competition

Led by the mysterious mirage of his once lost ship, a retired sea captain follows the vessel to the very end.

Director
Daria Litvichenko
Runtime
Language
Estonian
Subtitles
English
Trailer

World premiere

Wednesday

Local title
Kolmapäev
Original title
Kolmapäev
Director
Eeva Mägi
Country
Estonia
Year
2021
Programme
Shorts National Competition

Jaanus spends the last day with his wife Karin at home. In the midst of common eiders, seagulls, fishing nets and summer breeze, they send Karin's soul to the eternity. An everyday life full of bitter sweet love falls with the setting sun into the depths of the sea.

Director
Eeva Mägi
Runtime
Language
Estonian
Subtitles
English
Trailer

Baltic premiere

Common Language

Local title
Ühine keel (2020)
Original title
АГУЛЬНАЯ МОВА
Director
Volia Chajkouskaya
Country
Estonia
Year
2020
Programme
Shorts National Competition

The director, who has always been viewed as the black sheep in her family, sets out to the Belarusian town of Vitebsk to talk with her parents about previous grievances and topics that were considered taboo. The effort to find a common language, which runs into stormy emotions and the inability to voice honest opinions, is captured through both personal moments and detailed shots of the protagonists’ faces.

Director
Volia Chajkouskaya
Runtime
Language
Russian
Subtitles
English

World premiere

Grandma, meet Mary

Local title
Vanaema, saa tuttavaks
Director
Kaire Russ
Country
Estonia
Year
2021
Programme
Shorts National Competition

The middle-aged perfectionist Virve has done everything so that her mothers 80. birthday party would be traditionally perfect. But with no warning her niece brings a surprise guest - her same sex partner.

Director
Kaire Russ
Runtime
Language
Estonian
Subtitles
English

World premiere

How To Be Naked

Local title
Kuidas olla alasti
Director
Laura Liventaal
Country
Estonia
Year
2020
Programme
Shorts National Competition

An experimental creative documentary about the process of opening up to oneself and others. An old actor is trying not to act. How to be yourself?

Director
Laura Liventaal
Runtime
Language
Estonian
Subtitles
English
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