In the run-up to the main event of international feature films that begins later this week at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, the organization is presenting several thematic programs. Just Film is devoted to films, videos and interactive projects for children and young adults. Animated Dreams offers a diverse selection of animation from around the world, as well as showcasing animated films from Estonia and the Baltics.

Running parallel to these programs is Sleepwalkers: The Student And Short Film Festival, which is celebrating its 11th anniversary as the only international short film festival in Estonia. This very popular event brings together some of the most innovative visual ideas from emerging filmmakers from around the  globe. Over 1200 short films were submitted to the competition programs this year from as far as Chile, Japan, South Africa and as close as Finland, Latvia andRussia.

A mix of dramas, comedies, thrillers and mood pieces, with documentaries and reality-based films also included in the mix, thhe films reflect the impulses and concerns of their young filmmakers, who struggle with identity, sexual fulfillment and economic stability in these challenging times. This year, Sleepwalkers is opening a new competition program for professional short films from around the world and continuing the tradition of international student short films competition programs. A special spotlight is being shined on films from Finland, this year's "country focus"  and the works of young Czech talents. One of the anticipated programs is a night of horror shorts which is always a major audience hit.

Short film nominees from the European Film Academy will finish their European tour in Tallinn, which this year is hosting the European Film Academy Awards, the "European Oscars" on 4 December in Tallinn. For more information on the Sleepwalkers festival, visit: http://www.swff.ee/en/festival/. For information on the Black Nights Film Festival, which runs from 25 November - 5 December, visit: www.poff.ee

Sandy Mandelberger, POFF Dailies Editor