Ahead of the festival, our marketing department made key Shorts employees answer three questions for a promotional article.

One thing you're most looking forward to in this edition of PÖFF Shorts?

Laurence Boyce: As a programmer, it's the same (couple of) things as usual. You invest so much time in putting together a programme that there's a joy in getting audiences to come and see them. You want to see how those people react and (hopefully) love the films as much as you do. Also you get to meet a few of the filmmakers whose work you've enjoyed. It's always an honour and pleasure to hang out with them.

Vassilis Kroustallis: I have a soft spot for our animated New Talents section, and the influx of Asian filmmakers, with 3 world premieres at hand. It is really a culturally validating programming event.

Mari Keevallik: Our second edition of Shorts Industry Shortcut, Tara has put a lot of effort into the industry side of PÖFF Shorts, so I'm excited to see how this unfolds and hope the filmmakers will be inspired. But the tram party and ceremony are a close second!

Tara Karajica: The international live-action competition, the Shorts Industry Shortcut and the tram party, but most of all, my wolf pack.

PÖFF Shorts Tram Party with sponsored drinks, 2024. Photo: Aron Urb

What's your one goal for this festival?

Tara: Get more people hooked on shorts and tell the world how extraordinary PÖFF Shorts is!

Mari: I hope the filmmakers enjoy the festival and seeing their work on the big screens, also that we get more people (and dogs!) to come to see the shorts.

Laurence: It's to grow. It's great that we get such an amazing audience, but you want to keep getting new people into the cinemas to experience the greatness of the shorts medium. It's reminding audiences that not only are these films amazing, but coming together, watching together and meeting creators and cinephiles is a unique experience.

Vassilis: I am very inclusive here. I'd like everyone to have a great time navigating both our screening programme, our Shorts Industry Shortcut events (with several panels devoted to animation filmmaking), and the Emile Awards we host; and, of course, our daily social meetups.

PÖFF Shorts 2024 screening. Photo: Gen-Horret Rand

What's your favourite thing to do in November?

Vassilis: Discover the always secret (and full of surprises!) location of our "Shortest Awards Ceremony in the World".

Tara: Going to Tallinn and disappearing into the cinemas while outside the nights are long and dark.

Mari: Getting that amazing cardamom bun in Rotermanni in the middle of meetings and other errands. Sleep, too! You can try to function only on caffeine, but good luck with that!

Laurence : Aside from the festival, there comes a a general sense of relief that it is all over - and a slight sense of sadness as well. I try and mitigate that by hanging out with kids, living a generally 'normal' life away from the festival bubble and - after the tiredness has subisided - start making some plans for the next edition of the festival.

The 2025 PÖFF Shorts takes place from November 11-19 with screenings in Tallinn and Tartu. Festival tickets and passes are available online.

Shorts Industry Shortcut 2024. Photo: Evelin Palu