GENERAL

Black Nights Discovery Campus is an international continuing education platform organised by the Black Nights Film Festival in collaboration with Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event (ITBE) and several prestigious international partners. It offers young film professionals the opportunity to deepen their knowledge, develop new skills, and expand their professional networks. Our guiding motto is: “Learn from the mistakes of our mentors, so you don’t make them yourself.”

Discovery Campus brings together several renowned talent programmes: Script Pool, Black Nights Stars, Music Meets Film, Black Room, and Frame Within a Frame.

Frame Within a Frame (FWF), launched in 2023, is dedicated to highlighting eight emerging cinematographers each year. The programme focuses on those who have already shot short narrative films, music videos, or commercials and are now looking to move towards feature films.

With sessions led by world-class cinematographers and industry-leading equipment manufacturers, participants gain both technical and aesthetic insights. They also have opportunities to pitch their work to directors and producers and build meaningful industry connections.

The programme features screenings and mini Q&A sessions showcasing the selected participants' previous short films, offering a platform for visibility within the industry.

OBJECTIVES

• To spotlight emerging cinematographers with strong potential for international collaboration.
• To provide high-level mentorship in both technique and visual storytelling
• To foster industry connections with directors, producers, and potential collaborators
• To bridge participants to wider international platforms

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Frame Within a Frame includes both preparatory and on-site phases, as well as online and in-person sessions. Participants engage in:

• Creative and Technic-focused workshops
• Networking events
• Masterclasses and industry panels through Discovery Campus
• A curated industry presentation of their short films

Dates & Locations:
15–16 November: Workshops at Aalto University, Helsinki
18–21 November: Programme continues in Tallinn during Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event
Online sessions will take place pre- and post-event

Participation Fee:
A non-refundable accreditation fee of 250 euros covers:

• Aalto University and IMAGO Technical Committee workshops
• Access to panels, mentorship, and Discovery Campus events
• Accommodation in Tallinn and Helsinki
• Access to Black Nights Film Festival screenings and networking events

Please note: Round-trip airfare must be covered by the participant. We recommend contacting your national film fund or institute for possible financial support.

Official programme language: English

In 2025, participants will also have the opportunity to compete for the Frame Within a Frame Lens Award, including camera and lighting gear provided by Camera Nordic.

ELIGIBILITY & SUBMISSIONS
Applications must be submitted via the official online platform between April 28 – June 30, 2025. Late applications will not be considered.
Eligible applicants must:

• Have completed formal education in cinematography or
• Have independently shot at least one short film

Each application must include:

• A completed online application form
• A showreel
• Self introduction video
• A short film shot by the applicant

Submission link and further guidelines will be available on the official website

Selected participants will be notified by August 15, 2025, and the final selection will be announced via festival and industry press.

Submission of an application implies acceptance of these regulations.
For inquiries, contact: dhanushka.gunathilake@poff.ee

SELECTION PROCESS

All complete applications will be evaluated by a Selection Committee appointed by Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event management.
Selection criteria include:

• Artistic and technical merit of the cinematographic work
• Potential for future international collaboration

Only eight cinematographers will be selected for the 2025 edition.

RIGHTS & COPYRIGHT
Applicants must guarantee they hold all necessary rights to the submitted films. All rights and copyright matters are governed by the Copyright Act of the Republic of Estonia.

PARTICIPANT OBLIGATIONS
Selected participants are expected to fully engage with the programme and cooperate with the organisers throughout the duration of Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event.
Failure to comply with the agreed terms without valid justification may result in disqualification from the programme.

FINAL PROVISIONS
The official language of all Discovery Campus and Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event activities is English.
In matters not explicitly addressed in these regulations, Estonian business practices and laws will apply.
Any amendments to these regulations will be made by Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event management.
By submitting an application, the applicant agrees to abide by all terms and conditions outlined herein.

These regulations are effective as of April 28, 2025, upon publication on the official Industry@Tallinn&Baltic Event website.

Approved by
Marge Liiske
Head of Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event

Submission Application sample :