Shorts National Competition 4 (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

Four Stones

Local title
Neli kivi
Director
Francesco Rosso
Country
Estonia
Year
2021
Programme
Shorts National Competition

A monk goes through his present and past life, constantly bouncing between desire and denial. His life in the monastery and later in the city evolves around looping patterns, coincidences and unavoidable consequences. Sublime sounds and a delicate system of symbols trace the path for the monk and his fellas to cope with their miseries.

Director
Francesco Rosso
Runtime
Trailer

Cerberus

Local title
Kerberos
Director
Kaspar Ainelo
Country
Estonia
Year
2021
Programme
Shorts National Competition

Meelis, a modern countryman in search of his lost dog, comes upon a village where a mysterious crime has taken place. While trying to figure out the truth behind the strange events, a growing suspicion tempts to claim another victim.

Director
Kaspar Ainelo
Runtime
Language
Estonian
Subtitles
English

World premiere

Tyrant

Local title
Türann
Original title
Тиран
Director
Ruslan Mironov
Country
Estonia
Year
2021
Programme
Shorts National Competition

A young woman gets a job as a maid in a weird family's house. Their dysfunctional dynamics unfold and she tries to fix it.

Director
Ruslan Mironov
Runtime
Language
Russian
Subtitles
English

Baltic premiere

Talent

Local title
Talent
Original title
Talent
Director
Silver Õun (1)
Country
Estonia
Year
2021
Programme
Shorts National Competition, Méliès D'Argent Short Film Competition

Andreas, a dark poet, and Lo, yet to capture the perfect photo, are a couple who haven't found success in their field. But when Andreas is asked to perform at the Press Photo Exhibition, their lives will change forever.

Director
Silver Õun (1)
Screenwriter
Pilleriin Raudam
Cast
Markus Truup Katariina Tamm
Producer
Sander Lebreht
DoP
Fidelia Regina Randmäe
Sound
Jalmar Väin
Runtime
Language
Estonian
Subtitles
English
Trailer

Face Recognition

Local title
Näotuvastus
Director
Martinus Klemet
Country
Estonia
Year
2021
Programme
Shorts National Competition

Deadbeat Igor-503 evades the cops detectors during a night of wild drinking.

Director
Martinus Klemet
Runtime
Language
English
Subtitles
English
Trailer

World premiere

Brutes

Local title
Elajad.
Original title
Elajad
Director
Raoul Kirsima
Country
Estonia
Year
2021
Programme
Shorts National Competition

Uku's passions are travel, food and sex. His last day starts out with all 3 in mind and as luck would have it, he meets Briis, who has very similar tastes. If only we all had more time to do what we love.

Director
Raoul Kirsima
Runtime
Language
Estonian
Subtitles
English
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