Films for children and teenagers will have a prominent place at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival as its 30th anniversary edition opens on Nov. 6. Running through Nov. 22 in Estonia, the festival will combine its art house programming with youth cinema and industry discussions about how to create films for younger viewers and help audiences find them.
The festival introduced its Just Film strand for children’s and youth movies in 2001, adding Just Film Industry Days in 2023. This year’s industry gathering runs Nov. 18-20, offering two and a half days of pitching, panels, case studies and presentations. Organized by Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event and Just Film, it welcomes experienced filmmakers as well as people considering their first project for young audiences.
Kärt Väinola, head of Just Film Industry Days, told The Hollywood Reporter that the program continues to expand. Now in her 22nd year working for the festival and fourth year with the industry strand, she said it includes two pitching events linked to the co-production market. These cover Just Film projects in development or early production, alongside works in progress.
Film education is a particular priority for 2026. Filmmakers aged 12 to 19 will take part in workshops, masterclasses and mentoring, reflecting the program’s emphasis on film literacy and encouraging young people to make movies. Väinola pointed to the filmmaking tools already available in young people’s pockets. “We’re in the business of inspiring,” she said.
For industry attendees, discussions will examine the production of quality children’s and youth films. A returning format connecting science and creativity will this year explore the relationship between research and the market, including ways to approach children and understand what works with audiences. Another panel will consider how categorizing a film as family, youth or coming-of-age can affect it, while an artificial intelligence discussion will address introducing tools while preserving creativity.
Social media restrictions will feature in a session about film discovery. Väinola said the discussion would cover existing and potential bans, citing Australia’s restrictions for under-16s, a U.K. measure she described as set to begin in March, and proposals or discussions in Europe. Her concern is how filmmakers and cinemas can reach young viewers if access to a major source of recommendations for both older and new movies is reduced.
The Just Film screenings will include Rebekah Fortune’s Learning to Breathe Under Water, Zane Borg’s River, David Dietl’s Emil and the Detectives, and Thomas Mendolia’s Henry’s Ebb. Väinola said children’s films can offer sophisticated storytelling with several layers, deserving greater recognition within the industry.
She also emphasized their commercial significance. Young children generally attend cinemas with adults, meaning a family outing can generate several ticket purchases. Väinola hopes Tallinn can strengthen growing industry discussion about the role children and teenagers could play in sustaining cinema.
