Just Film, the youth and children’s film festival of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF), has unveiled its 2026 International Youth and Children’s Competition programmes.
All ten films selected for the International Youth Film Competition will have their world or international premieres at Just Film. The programme comprises four world premieres and six international premieres, with every film accompanied by a delegation attending the festival in Tallinn. Alongside films from across Europe, the programme includes productions from the Republic of Korea and the United States.
According to Jan Joonas Pevkur, who joined Just Film as Programme Director this year, the competition programs of 26th Just Film offer a wonderfully diverse lineup, spanning a wide range of themes and countries. “While selecting the films, we wanted to address both pressing contemporary issues such as the radicalization of youth and the changing nature of bullying in the digital age. At the same time, the programme celebrates timeless, beautifully told stories about self-discovery and the joys and challenges of growing up,”
The International Children’s Film Competition comprises eight films from across Europe and Canada, including five international premieres and three Baltic premieres.
“Reflecting an exceptionally strong year for animation, the children’s film program features plenty of animated tales that take the audiences from the world of shrews to Second World War -era New York. The live-action selection adds detective adventures, stories about young film buffs, and tales of friendships with a giant shark among others,” he adds.
Pevkur emphasises that Just Film has always focused on bold films that tackle important topics.
“This year’s programme continues that tradition with stories that are both educational and eye-opening. Much like our audience, our programming team is largely composed of young people helping us ensure that the films remain fresh and speak a language that resonates with younger viewers. Young people also serve on our official juries and present awards to their favorites"
The fact that filmmakers entrust so many premieres to Just Film shows that they, too, value the festival’s youthful spirit and boldness.
- Jan Joonas Pevkur
1. Bully Club, dir. Eunhye Hong Kim, Republic of Korea – World Premiere
2. Change of Heart, dir. Hannah Elbke, Denmark – World Premiere
3. Henry's Ebb, dir. Thomas Mendolia, USA – World Premiere
4. Holy Light, dir. Marian Crisan, Romania, Moldova, Slovakia – World Premiere
5. Joe Speedboat, dir. Sam de Jong, Netherlands – International Premiere
6. Liquid States, dir. Maria Wider, Poland – International Premiere
7. One of Them, dir. Marie Rosselet-Ruiz, France, Belgium – International Premiere
8. Such a Vivid Imagination, dir. Ina Lüders, United Kingdom – International Premiere
9. The Bitch Pack. dir. Claudia Estrada Tarascó, Belgium, Spain – International Premiere
10. Will You Care If I Die? dir. Rojda Sekersöz, Sweden – International Premiere
1. Children of Liberty, dir. Léahn Vivier-Chapas, Rémy Schaepman, France – Baltic Premiere
2. Emil and the Detectives, dir. David Dietl, Germany – International Premiere
3. Jasmine & Jambo, dir. Silvia Cortés, Spain – International Premiere
4. Learning to Breathe Under Water, dir. Rebekah Fortune, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Ireland – Baltic Premiere
5. Pikkuli and the Starlight Reindeer, dir. Metsämarja Aittokoski, Finland – International Premiere
6. Tanit, dir. Pep Garrido Montblanch, Spain – Baltic Premiere
7. The Bryce Lee Story, dir. Arnold Lim, Canada – International Premiere
8. The Shrew of Destiny, dir Marcin Wasilewski, Lithuania, Poland, Canada – International Premiere
The full programme of Just Film 2026 will be announced in October.
Just Film is the youth and children’s film festival of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF). Combining international premieres with youth participation and film education, the festival invites children and young people not only to discover outstanding cinema but also to meet filmmakers, serve on official juries and present awards. Its diverse programme includes around 50 films each year, as well as the #youngfilmmaker competition and a range of educational activities.
The 26th edition of Just Film will take place in Tallinn, Estonia, from 6–22 November 2026. The festival welcomes approximately 20,000 visits annually.