Created by the Locarno Film Festival in 2014, the Industry Academy is an intensive training program designed to train and support young film industry professionals working specifically in the area of independent film circulation, including online and traditional distribution, sales, film marketing, exhibition, and festival programming, among others. The workshop serves as a gateway for a new generation of professionals entering the independent film industry, fostering their development, helping them better understand the industry's challenges, and expanding their networks. The Locarno Industry Academy also aims to build bridges of collaboration across different markets in Europe, North America, Ibero-America, the Middle East, and South Africa. In 2024, the program expanded to Estonia.
In 2025, the second edition of the Tallinn Industry Academy takes place from November 16–21 during Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event (ITBE), the industry platform of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.
The workshop is primarily suited for young professionals working with boutique (small and medium-sized) markets interested in improving their skills and expanding their contacts in sales, marketing, distribution, exhibition, and programming/curating. It is particularly beneficial for those already working with an established company or with significant experience in the abovementioned fields.
Emerging professionals in the field of film circulation, preferably under 40 years of age, with a minimum of two years of experience in areas such as sales, marketing, promotion, online and traditional distribution, exhibition, programming, curatorship, and cultural management, and with an excellent command of English (both written and spoken) are eligible to apply.
The session will provide 10 to 12 participants with mentoring from international professionals with extensive experience in independent film circulation. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to meet other professionals from the audiovisual industry who will be present at activities organised by ITBE.
The program is an in-person workshop from November 16 to 21 in Tallinn. November 16 is designated for arrival and the welcome get-together event. November 17-21 will consist of full-day workshops combined with Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event general sessions, film screenings, networking, and other parts of the ITBE program.
Please note that this training is not intended for producers or directors seeking to understand the world of film circulation, but rather is a specialised program designed for professionals working directly in the field of circulation: exhibitors, distributors, sales agents, online platform professionals, programmers, or festival team heads in areas related to film programming, among others. Each selected participant agrees to attend the entire activity for which they were selected and accepts the pedagogical framework and the agenda of sessions proposed by the team.
Applicants must fill out the Application Form and provide all requested information and documents by the deadline of September 15, 2025. Late applications will not be considered. The participants will be selected by October 1 at the latest and announced directly to the participants and publicly via the festival/industry press. Submission of the application will be considered acceptance of the special conditions.
Once selected, participation is subject to payment of a non-refundable Participation Fee of 175 euros, including a 25€ administration fee. The Participation Fee includes accreditation to Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event, mentorship, accommodation for up to six nights (in twin rooms), lunches on the main days of participation, film screenings at Black Nights Film Festival, and the opportunity to take part in other Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event activities. Participation in the program is compulsory from November 17-21; the rest is subject to your availability.
Ukrainian professionals are exempt from the Participation Fee; only the administration fee 25€ applies.
Please note that round-trip airfare is to be paid by the participants and is not included in the Participation Fee. Participants are encouraged to contact their local film fund or institute for assistance with transportation costs.
For additional information about the workshop, please get in touch with Eda Koppel, eda.koppel@poff.ee
The Selection Committee, composed of experts appointed by Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event management, will review all properly completed applications.
The main selection criteria are professional background and motivation for career development. Each application will be considered in terms of fairness and transparency criteria.
Up to 12 international participants will be selected to participate in the programme.
Each Applicant chosen to participate in the programme is required to cooperate with the employees and persons responsible at Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event throughout the entire course. If the participant violates any obligations stated in the Rules & Regulations, which they accepted by submitting the Application Form, Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event management may disqualify them from further participation in the event.
Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event as the industry platform of the Tallinn Black Nights Festival is committed to promoting gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work and programmes. We believe that everyone should have equal opportunities to participate in our events and activities, regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or other personal characteristics.
We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment that values diversity and promotes mutual respect and understanding. We promote gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work, including the planning, organisation, and delivery of events and activities, and believe that diversity is a strength and that everyone should have equal opportunities to participate in our events and activities.
We expect all participants in our events and activities to behave in a respectful and professional manner, and to refrain from any behaviour that is discriminatory, harassing, or offensive. This includes but is not limited to behaviour that isbased on a person's gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or other personal characteristics. We will not tolerate any behaviour that violates our policy and reserve the right to take appropriate action, including expulsion from the event.
The Applicant guarantees that all the presented information in the submitted application is correct. Regarding all matters not expressly settled by these Regulations, the current regulations of Estonia and its entities and good business practices are to be applied. Any amendments and supplements to these Regulations shall be made by Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event management. By submitting an Application, the Applicant agrees to all provisions of these Regulations. These Regulations come into effect from the day of their publishing on the webpage https://industry.poff.ee/, and are effective beginning on August 4 2025.
Approved by Marge Liiske,
Head of Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event