Previous years

2023 Award, Jury and Selections

Altogether, 19 films in production or post-production, looking for sales agents or festivals for international premiers, were presented Just Film Works in Progress (children and youth film projects), Baltic Event Works in Progress (Baltic and Finnish projects) and International Works in Progress.

Awards

Best International Project (includes 7000 € cash prize from Studio Beep)
Winner: Mamífera
Writer: Liliana Torres
Director: Liliana Torres
Producers: Carla Sopedra Salvadó, Miriam Porté
Production company: Edna Cinema, Distinto Films
Country: Spain

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Jury comment: “It’s been an absolute pleasure participating in the Baltic and International Works In Progress markets and hearing all of the pitches. Decisions are sometimes obvious, but this was not. It was an extremely competitive field of projects. On the international front, this year’s award goes to a film with a strong subject and story. A particularly touching moment from the footage continued to surface in our discussions. Congratulations to Mamiefra, Liliana, Carla and the rest of the team behind this film.

Best Baltic Project (includes 7000 € cash prize from Studio Beep)
Winner: Southern Chronicles
Writter Egle Vertelyte
Director: Ignas Miškinis
Producer: Lukas Trimonis
Co-producer: Esko Rips
Production company: In Script
Co-production company: Nafta Films
Country: Lithuania, Estonia

Jury comment: “We’re happy to award this year’s prize to a comedy feature. It’s a very authentic but very relatable story, which is especially impressive and challenging as a comedy. And the award goes to Southern Chronicles.”

Best Just Film Project (includes a 1000 euro monetary prize to help the film gain visibility by covering promotion and publicity costs)
Winner: Two of Me
Writers: Raul Esko, Romet Esko
Directors: Raul Esko, Romet Esko
Producers: Rain Rannu, Tõnu Hiielaid, Kirill Volkov
Production company: Tallifornia
Country: Estonia

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Jury

Baltic Event Works in Progress and international Works in Progress jury included Yohann Comte, Charades, France; Nadine Rothschild, Co-production Office, France; and TJ Smith, Tubi, USA.

Just Film Works in Progress jury included Markéta Pášmová, artistic director@Zlín Film Festival, head of Zlín Industry Days, Czech Republic, Gert Hermans, consultant, sales agent@Attraction Distribution, European Children’s Film Association, JEF, Belgium, Josep Arbiol, founder and director@Festival MICE, Spain.

Selection

International Works in Progress projects

Title: After the Fog
Original title: Después de la niebla
Countries: Chile, United Kingdom, France
Genre: drama
Written by: Miriam Heard
Directed by: Miriam Heard
Produced by: Miriam Heard, Dominique Rammsy, Stephanie Douet, Anna Holburn
Production company: Echo Art Films
Language: Spanish

Title: Mamífera
Original title: Mamífera
Country: Spain
Genre: dramedy
Written by: Liliana Torres
Directed by: Liliana Torres
Produced by: Carla Sopedra Salvadó, Miriam Porté
Production company: Edna Cinema, Distinto Films
Language: Catalan, Spanish

Title: The Platform
Original title: Платформата
Country: Bulgaria
Genre: drama
Written by: Nikolay Mutafchiev, Bogdan Rusev
Directed by: Nikolay Moutaftchiev
Produced by: Mira Boyadzhieva, Lubomira Stoyanova
Co-produced by: Nikolay Mutafchiev
Production companies: Samsara, PREMIERstudio Plus
Language: English

Title: The Tower of Strength
Original title: Obraz
Country: Montenegro, Serbia, Germany
Genre: drama, history
Written by: Melina Pota Koljevic, Ana Vujadinovic
Directed by: Nikola Vukcevic
Produced by: Milorad Radenovic
Co-produced by: Nevena Savic, Ivica Vidanovic, Christoph Thoke
Associate producer: Dario Domitrovic
Production company: Galileo Production
Co-production: Embrio production, Croatia
Language: Montenegrin and Albanian

Title: Truth or Consequences
Original title: Truth or Consequences
Country: France
Genre: road movie
Written by: Philippe Prouff
Directed by: Philippe Prouff
Produced by: Xavier Arias
Production company: Walter Films
Language: French

Baltic Event Works in Progress projects:

Title: Aurora
Original title: Aurora
Country: Estonia
Genre: Dramedy
Written by: Rain Tolk, Andres Maimik
Directed by: Rain Tolk, Andres Maimik
Produced by: Madis Tüür
Production company: Kuukulgur Film
Language: Estonian

Title: Escape Net
Original title: Tīklā. TTT leģendas dzimšana
Country: Latvia
Genre: drama, sport, biographical, period/historical, political, women
Written by: Dzintars Dreibergs, Clara Royer, Ligita Lukstraupe
Directed by: Dzintars Dreibergs
Produced by: Inga Pranevska, Marta Romanova-Jekabsone, Arta Giga, Dzintars Dreibergs
Production company: Kultfilma
Language: Latvian, Russian, miscellaneous

Title: Impressions
Original title: Nospiedumi
Country: Latvia
Genre: Dramedy
Written by: Alise Zarina
Directed by: Alise Zarina
Produced by: Alise Rogule
Production company: Mima Films

Title: Life and Love
Original title: Elu ja armastus
Country: Estonia
Genre: drama
Written by: Martin Algus
Directed by: Helen Takkin
Produced by: Kristian Taska, Adeele Tähemaa
Co-produced by: Tanel Tatter, Veiko Esken
Production company: Taska Film
Co-production company: Apollo Film Productions

Title: Maria's Silence
Original title: Marijas klusums
Country: Latvia, Lithuania
Genre: drama
Written by: Dāvis Sīmanis, Magali Negroni
Directed by: Dāvis Sīmanis
Produced by: Gints Grūbe
Co-produced by: Juste Michailinaite and Kestutis Drazdauskas
Production company: Mistrus Media
Co-Production company: Broom Films

Title: Rolling Papers
Original title: Pikad paberid
Country: Estonia
Genre: coming of age
Written by: Meel Paliale, Urmet Piiling
Directed by: Meel Paliale
Produced by: Tõnu Hiielaid, Rain Rannu, Urmet Piiling
Production company: Tallifornia
Language: Estonian

Title: Southern Chronicles
Original title: Pietinia Kronikas
Country: Lithuania, Estonia
Genre: comedy
Written by: Egle Vertelyte
Directed by: Ignas Miškinis
Produced by: Lukas Trimonis
Co-produced by: Esko Rips
Production company: In Script
Co-production company: Nafta Films
Language: Lithuanian

Title: The Black Hole
Original title: Must auk
Country: Estonia, Finland
Genre: dark comedy
Written by: Moonika Siimets
Directed by: Moonika Siimets
Produced by: Riina Sildos
Production company: Amrion Production, Aamu Film Company
Language: Estonian

Title: Youth Eternal
Original title: Mūžīgi jauni
Country: Latvia
Genre: drama, coming of age
Written by: Armands Zacs
Directed by: Armands Zacs
Produced by: Alise Gelze
Production company: White Picture

Just Film Works in Progress projects 2023:

Title: Highly Inflammable
Original title: Highly Inflammable
Country: United Kingdom, Spain
Genre: coming of age, cult, independent, women, youth/teen, music
Written by: Cheryl White
Directed by: Cheryl White
Produced by: Rose Kowalski
Production company: Lost for Words, Horizontal Films
Language: English

Title: The Inferno of the Living
Original title: El infierno de los vivos
Country: Argentina
Genre: drama
Written by: Alberto Leonidas Gieco
Directed by: Alberto Gieco
Produced by: Azul Sioli
Executive producer: Agustin Falco
Production company: Muchasiesta Coop. Audiovisual
Language: Spanish

Title: Tartini's Key
Original title: Tartinijev ključ
Country: Slovenia
Genre: Children Live Action, Children, Crime
Written by: Vinci Vogue Anžlovar
Directed by: Vinci Vogue Anžlovar
Produced by: Zoran Dževerdanović
Production company: Blade production
Language: Slovenian, Italian

Title: Two of Me
Original title: Mind on kaks
Country: Estonia
Genre: coming of age
Written by: Raul Esko, Romet Esko
Directed by: Raul Esko, Romet Esko
Produced by: Rain Rannu, Tõnu Hiielaid, Kirill Volkov
Production company: Tallifornia
Language: Estonian

Title: Violent Butterflies
Original title: Violentas Mariposas
Country: Mexico
Genre: drama
Written by: Adolfo Dávila García
Directed by: Adolfo Dávila García
Produced by: Gabriela Gavica Marrufo, Adolfo Dávila García
Production company: Mandarina Cine, Neural
Language: Spanish

2022 Award, Jury and Selections

Altogether 20 films in production or post-production, looking for sales agents or festivals for international premiers, will be presented at three Works In Progress showcases during Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event in 2022. The films include new projects from award-winning directors as well as debuts from different genres. Read the press release about the selection

Best International Project

included 2500€ cash prize from High Voltage

The Fisherman’s Daughter
Director: Edgar De Luque Jácome
Producer: Annabelle Mullen Pacheco
Production company: Belle Films
Countries: Puerto Rico, Colombia, Brazil

Jury statement: "We award this film for the urgency and immediacy of its story, and its call for acceptance."

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Best Baltic Project

included 5000€ worth of services from High Voltage

Black Velvet
Director: Liene Linde
Producer: Guntis Trekteris
Production company: Ego Media
Country: Latvia, Lithuania

Jury statement: "We award this film for its insightful and never self-indulgent look at our existential anxieties. We found comfort in its humour and for that we hope this award will make up for that loss of - if we remember correctly - 156.36€ "

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Just Film Award

included a 1000 euro monetary prize to help the film gain visibility by covering promotion and publicity costs

Raw Material
Director: Martin Boross
Producer: Gábor Osváth
Production company: Filmfabriq Country: Hungary

Jury statement: “Representation of young people who stand up for themselves, but not losing its playfulness. Convincing and believable acting, interesting dialogue. Not a black-and-white story about corruption. Promising, want to see the film”.

Jury

The jury of Baltic Event and International Works in Progress consisted of Ariane Buhl, an independent consultant in festivals strategy and implementation, France; Thorsten Ritter, world sales and co-financing, Beta Cinema, Germany; Andrei Tanasescu, programmer for Giornate degli Autori (Venice Days), Bildrausch (Filmfest Basel) and One World, Romania.

The jury of Just Film Works in Progress includes Nicola Jones, head of the German Children’s Media Foundation, Margreet Cornelius, senior project leader at the Network Film Education and Jaak Kilmi, film director (Sleeping Beast (2022), Christmas in the Jungle (2020), Juminda: On the Burning Sea (2023)).

Works In Progress Selection 2022

Baltic Event Works in Progress selection

8 Views of Lake Biwa County: Estonia, Finland Director: Marko Raat Producers: Ivo Felt, Dora Nedeczky Production company: Allfilm, Bufo

Anna LOL Country: Latvia Director: Ivars Tontegode Producer: Guna Stahovska Production company: Mojo Raiser Production, SIA KMVKP

Black Velvet Country: Latvia, Lithuania Director: Liene Linde Producer: Guntis Trekteris Production company: Ego Media

Death is a Problem for the Living Country: Finland Director: Teemu Nikki Producer: Jani Pösö Production company: It’s Alive Films

Free Money Country: Estonia Director: Rain Rannu Producers: Tõnu Hiielaid, Rain Rannu Production company: Tallifornia

Infinite Summer Country: Estonia Director: Miguel Llanso Producer: Tõnu Hiielaid Production company: Tallifornia

Life Interrupted Country: Latvia, Lithuania Director: Ilze Kunga- Melgaile Producers: Aija Bērziņa, Marija Razgute Production company: Tasse Film

Lotus Country: Latvia, Lithuania Director: Signe Birkova Producers: Dominiks Jarmakovičs, Roberts Vinovskis

International Works in Progress selection

The Ballad of a Hustler Countries: United States, Brazil Director: Heitor Dhalia Producer: Bernardo Barreto Production company: Berny Films

Ruth Country: Israel Director: Esty Shushan Producers: David Silber, Sivan Cohen Production company: Metro Communications

Waltzing Matilda Countries: Czech Republic, Slovakia Director: Petr Slavík Producers: Nataša Slavíková, Vít Janeček Production companies: Phoenix Production, VIRUSfilm

In The Belly of A Tiger Countries: India, China, United States, France, Taiwan Director: Siddhartha Jatla Producers: Patrick Mau Huang, Sarada Uma, Bhavana Goparaju, Esther Lee, Production companies: JATLA PICTURES LLP, Jeevi Film

The Fisherman's Daughter Countries: Puerto Rico, Colombia, Brazil Director: Edgar De Luque Jácome Producer: Annabelle Mullen Pacheco Production company: Belle Films

20 000 species of bees Country: Spain Director: Estibaliz Urresola Producers: Lara Izagirre, Valérie Delpierre Production companies: Gariza Films, Inicia Films.

Just Film Works in Progress selection

Jonja Country: Germany Director: Anika Mätzke Producers: Norman Bernien, Christoph Holthof, Daniel Reich Production company: kurhaus production

Snot and Splash Country: Finland Director: Teemu Nikki Producers: Jani Pösö, Ari Matikainen Production company: It's Alive Films

Empire of The Rabbits Countries: Türkiye, Mexico, Lebanon, France Director: Seyfettin Tokmak Producer: Zeynep Koray Production company: ZKF

Government of Children Country: Romania Director: Ioana Mischie Producer: Irina Petrescu Production company: Studioset Production

Kissing Bug Countries: Argentina, Brazil, Director: Luis Zorraquin Producer: Esteban Lucangioli, Bruno Autran Porduction company: Pelicano Cine, Labuta Filmes

Raw Material Country: Hungary Director: Martin Boross Producer: Gábor Osváth Production company: Filmfabriq

CHECK OUT THE BALTIC EVENT WORKS IN PROGRESS PROJECTS 2022 FROM THE CATALOGUE (PDF)

CHECK OUT THE INTERNATIONAL WORKS IN PROGRESS PROJECTS 2022 FROM THE CATALOGUE (PDF)

CHECK OUT THE JUST FILM WORKS IN PROGRESS PROJECTS 2022 FROM THE CATALOGUE (PDF)

Awards

Best Project Award - 7500€ presented by High Voltage
High Voltage, a leading film equipment rental in the Baltics, presents the Best Project Award to the jury’s choice of best project in the Baltic Event or International Works in Progress sections.
The award consists of a 2500€ cash prize to be used for the postproduction or distribution of the winning project, as well as 5000€ worth of services from High Voltage, which can be used for the winner’s upcoming project.

The jury of Baltic Event and international Works in Progress consists of Ariane Buhl, independent consultant in festivals strategy and implementation, France, Thorsten Ritter, world sales and co-financing, Beta Cinema, Germany, Andrei Tanasescu, programmer for Giornate degli Autori (Venice Days), Bildrausch (Filmfest Basel) and One World, Romania.

Just Film Award Includes a 1000 euro monetary prize to help the film gain visibility by covering promotion and publicity costs.
The jury of Just Film Works in Progress includes Nicola Jones, head of the German Children’s Media Foundation, Margreet Cornelius, senior project leader at the Network Film Education and Jaak Kilmi, film director (Sleeping Beast (2022), Christmas in the Jungle (2020), Juminda: On the Burning Sea (2023)).

Previous years

The Works in Progress 2021 presented 19 projects in 3 categories - International, Baltic Event and Just Film Works in Progress. Projects were be presented both on a cinema screen in Tallinn as well as online during the sessions.

2021 Awards, Jury and Selection

Asymmetric Studios Best Visual Effects Award

Consists of a 5000 euro cash prize, as well as up to 10,000 euros of in-kind services from this leading international visual effects and 3D animation studio.

Winner: Parade, directed by Titas Laucius (Lithuania)
Producer: Klementina Remeikaite
Production company: afterschool production
Jury statement: “With wit dialogues and fun excerpts, the jury has been convinced by a crowd-pleasing and solid presentation. We want to see more of this charming Lithuanian dramedy & hope the award will support a fine postproduction for PARADE”.

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Baltic Event Award

Involves 2500 euros with an intention to cover the promotional costs of the film’s theatrical distribution in Estonia, Latvia, and/or Lithuania.

Winner: Bethlehem Light by Jan Sverak (Czech Republic, United Kingdom)
Producer: Jan Sverak
Co-producer: Eric Abraham
Production companies: Biograf Jan Sverak, Portobello Productions, Czech Television
Jury statement: “The jury chose a film by a Czech master director whose warm-hearted humor has convinced us with his presentation of Bethlehem Lights. We hope this prize will convince Baltics distributors to support this project.”

Jury Special Mention

Winner: We Might As Well Be Dead by Natalia Sinelnikova (Germany)
Producer: Julia Wagner
Co-producer: Magdalena Wolff
Production companies: HEARTWAKE Films, Filmuniversität Babelsberg Konrad Wolf
Jury statement: “A personal approach transformed into a wit & critical attempt on criticizing the contemporary western society that looks singular & exciting. The jury wanted to give a special mention to We Might As Well Be Dead.”

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The jury of Baltic Event and international Works in Progress consisted of Charles Bin, partner and sales manager at Brussels based international sales company Best Friends Forever, Torsten Frehse CEO and buyer for Neue Visionen an independent films distributor from Germany and founder of Pluto Film, a world sales and festival distribution company and Alena Shumakova, programmer for Cannes Directors' Fortnight.

Just Film Award

Includes a 1000 euro monetary prize to help the film gain visibility by covering promotion and publicity costs.

Winner: Paula by Florencia Wehbe (Argentina-Italy)
Screenwriter: Florencia Wehbe, Daniela De Francesco
Producer: Fernanda Rocca, Claudio Esposito
Production companies: Bombilla Cine (Argentina), The Piranesi Experience (Italy)
Jury comment: “We’ve chosen to award Paula by Florencia Wehbe with the prize as we feel it relates to its audience very well. Young people will engage with this film due to its topic, performances and cinematic choices. It uses cinematic means to immediately grab its audience. We hope this award helps the film fulfil its potential to reach its target audience.”

The jury of Just Film Works in Progress included Gloria Morano, Head of the Young Audiences Programme at the Luxembourg City Film Festival (Luxembourg), Joe Ursell, Curation Manager at Into Film (intofilm.org), the UK's national film education charity (UK) and Alasdair Satchel, a film and theatre maker, film educationalist (Scotland).

Read about the projects participating at Works in Progress showcases from the catalogue.

Projects taking part of Works in Progress Baltic Event showcase 2021

  1. Child Machine
    Country: Estonia
    Genre: science fiction
    Director: Rain Rannu
    Producer: Tõnu Hiielaid, Rain Rannu
    Production company: Tallifornia

  2. Dark Paradise
    Countries: Estonia, France
    Genre: drama
    Director: Triin Ruumet
    Producer: Elina Litvinova
    Co-producer: Jeremy Forni
    Production companies: Three Brothers, Chevaldextrois

  3. Keep Smiling, Mom!
    Country: Latvia
    Genre: road-movie, dramedy
    Director: Elza Gauja
    Producer: Andris Gauja, Elza Gauja, Marta Bite
    Production companies: Riverbed

  4. Light Light Light
    Country: Finland
    Genre: drama
    Director: Inari Niemi
    Producer: Oskari Huttu
    Production company: Lucy Loves Drama Oy

  5. Parade
    Country: Lithuania
    Genre: dramedy
    Director: Titas Laucius
    Producer: Klementina Remeikaite
    Production company: afterschool production

  6. Sisters
    Countries: Latvia, Italy
    Genre: drama, family
    Director: Linda Olte
    Producer: Matiss Kaza, Una Celma, Dace Siatkovska
    Co-producers: Thomas Menghin, Wilfried Gufler, Debora Nischler
    Production companies: Fenixfilm (LV), Albolina Film (ITA)

  7. Soviet Milk
    Country: Latvia
    Genre: drama
    Director: Ināra Kolmane
    Producer: Jānis Juhņēvičs, Marta Romanova-Jēkabsone
    Production companies: Film Studio DEVIŅI

  8. Stairway to Heaven
    Country: Estonia
    Genre: drama
    Director: Mart Kivastik
    Producer: Marju Lepp, Manfred Vainokivi
    Production company: Filmivabrik

International Works in Progress selection 2021

  1. Beautiful Helen
    Countries: Georgia, Turkey, France
    Director: George Ovashvili
    Producer: George Ovashvili
    Co-producers: Mesut Ulutaş, Guillaume de Seille
    Production company: Wagonnet Films

  2. Bethlehem Light
    Countries: Czech Republic, United Kingdom
    Director: Jan Sverak
    Producer: Jan Sverak
    Co-producer: Eric Abraham
    Production companies: Biograf Jan Sverak, Portobello Productions, Czech Television

  3. Intensive Care
    Country: Russia
    Director: Pyotr Todorovskiy
    Producers: Valeriy Fedorovich, Evgeniy Nikishov
    Production company: 1-2-3 Production

  4. Solidarity
    Countries: United States, Lithuania
    Director: Dustin Brown
    Producers: Dustin Brown, Daniel Dreifuss
    Co-producers: Daniel Leighton, Kaiulani Bush, Mantas Valantiejus
    Production companies: Dustin Todd Films, Midnight Lantern Productions

  5. Cork
    Country: Spain
    Director: Mikel Gurrea
    Producers: Laura Rubirola, Sergi Moreno, Tono Folguera, Clàudia Maluenda, Xabi Berzosa
    Production companies: Lastor Media, Malmo Pictures, Irusoin

  6. We Might as Well Be Dead
    Country: Germany
    Director: Natalia Sinelnikova
    Producer: Julia Wagner
    Co-producer: Magdalena Wolff
    Production companies: HEARTWAKE Films, Filmuniversität Babelsberg Konrad Wolf

Just Film Works in Progress titles 2021

  1. Boom!
    Countries: Latvia, Estonia
    Director: Marta Selecka / Andra Dorss
    Screenwriter: Lote Eglite
    Producer: Ugis Riekstins / Elina Zazerska
    Production companies: Picture house

  2. Devka-Baba
    Country: Russia
    Director: Aglaya Nabatnikova
    Screenwriter: Andrey Rubanov
    Producer: Victoria Lupik
    Production companies: Anniko Films

  3. Felipe
    Countries: Argentina, Spain, France and Guatemala
    Director: Federico Schmukler
    Screenwriter: Federico Schmukler
    Producer: Julieta Sánchez Sananez- Brujas Producciones
    Production companies: Potenza Producciones-Carlo D’ursi Fortunato. La casa de producción- Jayro Bustamante and Gustavo Matheu Paredes. Les film du volcán- Georges Renand.

  4. Paula
    Countries: Argentina, Italy
    Director: Florencia Wehbe
    Screenwriter: Florencia Wehbe, Daniela De Francesco
    Producer: Fernanda Rocca, Claudio Esposito
    Production companies: Bombilla Cine (Argentina), The Piranesi Experience (Italy)

  5. Summer Ends Soon
    Countries: Russia, Kazakhstan
    Director: Yana Skopina
    Screenwriter: Yana Skopina, Rodion Golovan
    Producer: Ardak Kassymbek, Yerkezhan Maksut, Tamara Bogdanova
    Production companies: KINOKULT, UVENT Production

2020 Awards, Jury and Selection

The Post Production Award
Both of the projects will receive post-production services in the amount of up to 5 000 Euros at Post Control, the leading Finnish post-production house, but not more than 2/3 of the expenses incurred at Post Control. The award is given to the project which successfully combines creative and commercial potential.

Winner: Kalev, directed by Ove Musting
Producers: Pille Rünk, Maria Avdjushko
Production company: Allfilm, Ugri Film, Estonia.
Jury comment: Kalev is a promising first feature film based on true events narrated through the lens of sport and its competitive spirit, who follows the paths of a generation which had to face the collapse of USSR and the challenges of a new independence for their own nation.

Winner: Nuuccha, directed by Vladimir Munkuev
Producers: Aleksandr Plotnikov, Boris Khlebnikov, Valeriy Fedorovich, Evgeniy Nikishov, Albert Ryabyshev, Andrei Ushatskiy
Production company: Look Film, The Place of Power, R-Media, Russia
Jury comment: Nuuccha is a compelling debut from Russia by Vladimir Munkuev, spearheaded by Boris Khlebnikov, which triggered our interested to see the completed film, shoot in the challenging beauty of Yakut on the big screen as soon as possible.

The Baltic Event Works in Progress Award
The Baltic Event Works in Progress Award, (1500 Euros) is given to projects that stand out with the strongest and boldest artistic vision. The award will help the film gain visibility during its promotion and distribution in the Baltic States by covering related costs in the region.

Winner: I Am Fine, Thanks, directed by Ernestas Jankauskas
Producers: Gabija Siurbytė, Greta Akcijonaitė
Production company: Dansu films, Lithuania
Jury comment: I Am Fine, Thanks by talented Lithuanian helmer Ernestas Jankauska, who creates with his dedicated team a thoughtful artistic daring vision of an important, but in our society often neglected and seldom discussed topic: panic attack driven protagonist Maria is portrayed with a convincing visual concept — starting from the poster, ending with the intense DoP work.

Winner: Neon Spring, directed by Matīss Kaža
Producers: Dace Siatkovska, Matīss Kaža
Production company: Deep Sea Studios. Latvia
Jury comment: Neon Spring is a young and contemporary story full of honesty and struggles that portrays the dichotomy between the promising and exciting youth of a teenager discovering her own future and the harsh reality of a broken relationship with her parents and the nude cruelty of an imperfect world far from Instagram pictures.

Just Film Works in Progress Award
Youth and Children’s Film Festival Just Film is the biggest sub-festival of Tallinn Black Nights Film Festivals.
The award-winner receives 1000 EUR monetary prize to help the film gain visibility by covering promotion and publicity costs.

Winner: The Sleeping Beast by Jaak Kilmi
Producers: Evelin Penttilä
Co-producer: Roberts Vinovskis
Production companies: Stellar Film, Studio Locomotive. Estonia, Latvia.

Jury comment: This one particular pitch convinced us, because of a very intriguing scene that shows a wonderful cast of child actors. A quite intense situation that’s somewhat casually narrated. Aiming at the age group of children between 10-12, this film seems to be a promising way to create awareness for ethical problems, to discuss what is right and what is wrong.

The jury of Works in Progress in 2020 included Isabel Ivars-Sancho, Films Boutique, festivals & sales, Ilaria Gomarasca, Head of First Cut+ and Nikolaj Nikitin, Artistic Director Febiofest & Head of Studies and CEO of SOFA - School of Film Advancement.

The jury of Just Film Works in Progress in 2020 included Per Eriksson, Head of the Swedish Federation of Film Societies, Olaf Wehowsky, Festival Manager of LUCAS – International Festival for Young Film Lovers, and Guy Davies, Film Director (Philophobia).

Baltic Event Works in Progress 2020 selected projects

  1. Kalev, directed by Ove Musting, produced by Pille Rünk, Maria Avdjushko, Allfilm, Ugri Film. Estonia
  2. Melchior The Apothecary, directed by Elmo Nüganen, produced by Kristian Taska, Esko Rips, Armin Karu, Veiko Esken, Tanel Tatter, co-produced by Janis Kalejs, Phillip Kreuzer. Taska Film, Nafta Films, Apollo Film Productions, Hansafilm, Film Angels Productions, Maze Pictures. Estonia /Latvia / Germany
  3. Lovable, directed by Staņislavs Tokalovs, produced by Aija Bērziņa, co-produced by Evelin Penttila, Tasse Film, Stellar Film. Latvia/Estonia
  4. Neon Spring, directed by Matīss Kaža, produced by Dace Siatkovska, Matīss Kaža, Deep Sea Studios. Latvia
  5. I Am Fine, Thanks, directed by Ernestas Jankauskas, produced by Gabija Siurbytė, Greta Akcijonaitė, Dansu films. Lithuania
  6. Feature Film About Life, directed by Dovilė Šarutytė, produced by Uljana Kim, Studio Uljana Kim. Lithuania
  7. A Girl’s Room, directed by Aino Suni, produced by Sébastien Aubert, Ilona Tolmunen, Frauke Kolbmüller, Adastra Films, Made, Oma Inge Film. Finland/Germany

International Works in Progress selected projects 2020

  1. Carol of The Bells, directed by Olesya Morgunets-Isaenko, produced by Artem Koliubaiev, co-produced by Maksim Leshchanka, Ama Vision, Stewopol MS. Ukraine/Poland
  2. Ducks, Urban Legend, directed by Shahar Rozen, produced by Oren Rogovin, Omer Rogovin, Moshe Edery, Leon Edery, Rogovin Brothers. Israel
  3. The Anger, directed and produced by Maria Ivanova Z., Scoop Production, Ne a Beirut Films, The Post Republic. Lebanon/Germany
  4. Nuuccha, directed by Vladimir Munkuev, produced by Aleksandr Plotnikov, Boris Khlebnikov, Valeriy Fedorovich, Evgeniy Nikishov, Albert Ryabyshev, Andrei Ushatskiy, Look Film, The Place of Power, R-Media. Russia.
  5. First snow, directed by Nathalia Konchalovsky, produced by Elena Stepanisheva, Chapulla Bay. Russia
  6. Zemun, directed by Eduard Zholnin, produced by Alexey Uchitel, co-produced by Kira Saksaganskaya, Rock Films Studio. Russia
  7. A Film About Couples, directed and produced by Natalia Cabral and Oriol Estrada, co-produced by Pablo Mustonen, Faula Films. Dominican Republic

Just Film Works in Progress selected projects 2020

  1. A Butterfly’s Heart, directed by Inesa Kurklietytė, produced by Živilė Gallego, Fralita Films. Lithuania.
  2. The Sleeping Beast, directed by Jaak Kilmi, produced by Evelin Penttilä, co-produced by Roberts Vinovskis, Stellar Film, Studio Locomotive. Estonia/Latvia
  3. This is my moment, directed by Lieven Corthouts, produced by Magalie Dierick, Emmy Oost, co-produced by Renko Douze, Valérie Montmartin, Cassette for timescapes, Een van de jongens, Little Big Story. Belgium/The Netherlands/France
  4. New Wonder, directed by Alexandra Strelyanaya, produced by Alexei Sokhnev and Alexandra Strelyanaya, Kolomna Film Company. Russia

The audience of the Works In Progress consists mainly of professional buyers, sales agents, film financiers and festival programmers, including representatives of many of the major film festivals in the world and international press.

Industry-Works-in-Progress-2018-1-d194b6d3.jpeg

2019 Awards, Jury and Selection

Works in Progress Awards

The fifth edition of International Works In Progress presented 8 projects and the 17th Baltic Event Works in Progress introduced 10 projects from the Baltic region and Finland.

The Post Production Award (10 000 EUR)

Post production services in the amount of up to 10 000 Euros but not more than 2/3 of the expenses incurred at Post Control. The award is given to the project, which successfully combines creative and commercial potential.

Winner: The Pit directed by Dace Pūce, Latvia

Producers: Kristele Pudane, Elīna Zazerska

Production company: Marana Productions

Jury comment: The clips we saw left us wanting to see more. This specific coming-of-age story should be universally understood and has cross-border potential.

The Baltic Event Works in Progress Award (3 000 EUR)

The Baltic Event Works in Progress Award is given to the project with the strongest and boldest artistic vision. The award will help the film gain visibility during its promotion and distribution in the Baltic States by covering related costs in the region.

Winner: Brownie directed by Sarah Blaßkiewitz, Germany

Producers: Milena Klemke, Yvonne Wellie, Jakob D. Weydemann, Jonas Weydemann

Production company: Weydemann Bros. GmbH

Jury comment: With its authenticity, current, relevant, subject matter and sense of humour, the nicely-shot Brownie is a film about appearance that digs deeper into many other levels and deserves international distribution.

Just Film Works in Progress Award (1 000 EUR)

The award-winner receives 1000 EUR monetary prize to help the film gain visibility by covering promotion and publicity costs.

Winner: Family by Durim Kryeziu, Kosovo

Jury’s comment, the project spoke about the transition in a family and coming to terms with the country’s recent history in a way that is accessible for the young audience, through music.

Members Of the Jury

Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event Works in Progress Jury:

Dhanushka Gunathilake – Cinematographer, Festival curator;

Debra Liang – Level K;

Alissa Simon – Palm Springs IFF, Chicago IFF.

Just Film Works in Progress Jury included members of ECFA (European Children’s Film Association):

Margret Albers – President of the European Children’s Film Association;

Stella Skiba – New Horizons Association, kids and youth section;

Giancarlo Zappoli – Artistic director of Castellinaria Film Festival for Youngsters in Bellinzona CH.

Selected Projects:

23 films in production or post-production looking for sales agents or festivals for international premieres were presented at the Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event Work in Progress sessions on November 25-28.

Baltic Event Works in Progress 2019 selected projects:

  1. Kids of the Night, directed by Priit Pääsuke, produced by Marianne Ostrat, Alexandra Film, Luxfilm, Estonia
  2. O2, directed by Margus Paju, produced by Esko Rips/Nafta Films, Kristian Taska/Taska Film, co-produced by Jukka Helle/Solar Film, Janis Kalejs/Film Angels, Lukas Trimonis/In Script, Estonia/Finland/Latvia/Lithuania
  3. On the Water, directed by Peeter Simm, produced by Marju Lepp, Filmivabrik, Estonia
  4. In the Mirror, directed by Laila Pakalniņa, produced by Laila Pakalniņa/Hargla Company, co-produced by Dagnė Vildžiūnaitė/Just a Moment, Latvia/Lithuania
  5. The Pit, directed by Dace Pūce, produced by Kristele Pudane, Elīna Zazerska, Marana Productions, Latvia
  6. Where the Road Leads, directed by Matiss Kaza, produced by Una Celma, Dace Siatkovska/Fenixfilm, Matiss Kaza/Deep Sea Studios, co-produced by Zahavi Sanjavi/AVB Production, Latvia/Sweden
  7. People We Know Are Confused, directed by Tomas Smulkis, produced by Dagnė Vildžiūnaitė, Just a Moment, Lithuania
  8. Paralysis, directed by Andrius Blaževičius, produced by Marija Razgutė/M-Films, co-produced by Jakub Kostal/Bionaut Films, Lithuania/Czech Republic
  9. Eden, directed by Ulla Heikkilä, produced by Miia Haavisto, Tekele Productions, Finland
  10. Ladies of Steel, directed by Pamela Tola, produced by Aleksi Bardy, Dome Karukoski, Sirkka Rautiainen, Helsinki-Filmi, Finland

International Works in Progress 2019 selected projects:

  1. Deskmate, directed by Ferit Karahan, produced by Kanat Doğramacı, Asteros Film, Turkey/Romania
  2. Hungry Saints, directed by Marc Wilkins, produced by Joël Jent, Dschoint, Ventschr Filmproduktion, Switzerland, USA
  3. One Thousand and One, directed by Clarisa Navas, produced by Diego Dubcovsky, Lucía Chávarri, Argentina
  4. French Braid, directed by Lucas Turturro, produced by Victoria Aizenstat, Mauro Guevara, Aleph Cine, Argentina
  5. Schoko, directed by Sarah Blaßkiewitz, produced by Milena Klemke, Yvonne Wellie, Jakob D. Weydemann, Jonas Weydemann, Weydemann Bros. GmbH, Germany
    6.Hilda, directed by Rishi Pelham, produced by Nassim Mniai, Tomos Roberts, United Kingdom
  6. Far Frontiers, directed by Maxim Dashkin, produced by Denis Kovalevsky, Maxim Dashkin, Victoria Films, Russia, Kyrgyzstan
  7. Stand Up, directed by Juraj Bohuš, produced by Katarína Krnáčová, Silverart, Slovak Republic

Just Film Works in Progress 2019 selected projects

  1. Christmas in the Jungle, directed by Jaak Kilmi, produced by Roberts Vinovskis, co-produced by Evelin Penttilä, Sinisa Jurcic, Latvia/Estonia/Slovenia
  2. Family, directed by Durim KryezIu, produced by Durim Kryeziu, co-produced by Bardhyl Bejtulahu, Hazir Sh. Haziri, Kosovo
  3. Final Exam, directed by Chen-Ti Kuo, produced by Gene Yao, co-produced by Albert Yao, Taiwan
  4. Raggie, directed by Meelis Arulepp, Karsten Kiilerich, produced by Kristel Tõldsepp, co-produced by Anders Mastrup, Estonia/Denmark
  5. Unknown Treasures, directed by Agnė Marcinkevičiūtė producer byArūnas Stoškus, Kęstutis Petrulis, Lithuania

2018 Selection, Jury and Awards

Works in Progress Awards



The fourth year of International Works in Progress presented 7 projects and the 16th Baltic Event Works in Progress programme presented 11 projects from the Baltic region and Finland.

The Post Control Award (10 000 EUR)
Post production services in the amount of up to 10 000 Euros but not more than 2/3 of the expenses incurred at Post Control. The award is given to the project, which successfully combines creative and commercial potential.

Winner: Golden Voices by Evgeny Ruman, Israel
Producers: Avraham Pirchi, Chilik Michaeli, Eitan Even
Production companies: UCM, Evanstone Films

Jury statement: “Golden Voices” is a universal, wholly original and heartwarming story. It’s touching with funny elements. The film benefits of moving performances by the two lead actors, especially the female lead Maria Belkin. We think this film has genuine appeal for international audiences and could travel to festivals.

Baltic Event Works in Progress Award (3000 EUR)
The Baltic Event Works in Progress Award will be given to the project with the strongest and boldest artistic vision. The award will help the film gain visibility during its promotion and distribution in the Baltic States by covering related costs in the region.

Winner: Dogs Don’t Wear Pants by J-P Valkeapää, Finland, Latvia
Producers: Aleksi Bardy, Helen Vinogradov
Co-producers: Alise Gelze, Aija Berzina
Production companies: Helsinki-filmi, Tasse Film

Jury statement: It’s a film with a complex story. It deftly combined dark humor with a deeply felt sense of mourning. We were particularly impressed by the beautiful cinematography and film’s production value. We feel this film has real potential for international festivals and audiences.

Baltic Event Works in Progress Baltic View Award (2000 EUR)

Winner: Aurora by Miia Tervo, Finland
Producer: Max Malka
Production company: Dionysos Films

International Works in Progress Baltic View Award (2000 EUR)

Winner: Sisters by Silje Salomonsen, Arild Østin Ommundsen, Norway
Producer: Gary Cranner
Production company: Chezville

Baltic Event & International Works in Progress Jury:
Tatiana Detlofson, Mediaplan, USA
Alena Shumakova, Quinzaine des Réalisateurs, France, Pingyao Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon International Film Festival, China
Alexandre Moreau, Memento Films International, France

18 films in production or post-production looking for sales agents or festivals for international premieres were presented at the Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event Work in Progress sessions on November 28.

International Works in Progress 2018:

  1. Golden Voices, directed by by Evgeny Ruman, produced by Avraham Pirchi, Chilik Michaeli, Eitan Even, UCM, Evanstone Films, Israel
  2. Days of the Whale, directed by Catalina Arroyave, produced by Jaime Guerrero, co-produced by Natalia Agudelo, Nicolás Herreño, RaRa, MadLove, Colombia
  3. Senafon, directed by Evgeny Shelyakin, produced by Vasily Solovyov, Julia Mishkinene, Yury Khrapov, Anna Peskova, 2D Celluloid, Vita Aktiva Production, Russia, Thailand
  4. Drowsy City, directed by Luong Dinh Dung, produced by Nguyen Thi Huong, Tu Van Media, Vietnam
  5. On the Edge, directed by by Eduard Bordukov, produced by Elena Glikman, Mikhail Degtyar, Telesto-Film, Russia
  6. The Hunt, directed by Emre Akay, produced by Tolga Topçu, Emre Akay, Diloy Gülün, Jaguar Projects, Turkey
  7. Sisters, directed by Silje Salomonsen, Arild Østin Ommundsen, produced by Gary Cranner, Chezville, Norway
  8. Coming Home, directed by Darya Shumakova, produced by Benik Arakelyan, co-produced by Anna Gasparyan, Makar Zaporozhskiy, Movses Film, Armenia, Russia

Download the project catalogue.

Baltic Event Works in Progress 2018:

  1. Goodbye Soviet Union, directed by Lauri Randla, produced by Peeter Urbla, co-produced byMark Lwoff, Misha Jaari, Exitfilm, Bufo, Estonia, Finland
  2. Jesus Shows You the Way to the Highway, directed by Miguel Llansó, produced by Sergio Uguet de Resayre, Kristjan Pütsep, Miguel Llansó, co-produced by Guna Stahovska, Lanzadera Films, Alasti Kino, Spain, Estonia, Ethiopia
  3. Rain, directed by Janno Jürgens, produced by Kristjan Pütsep, co-produced by Karolina Galuba-Kowalska, Alasti Kino, Furia Film, Estonia, Poland
  4. Sandra Gets a Job, directed by Kaupo Kruusiauk, produced by Anneli Ahven, Kopli Kinokompanii, Estonia
  5. Truth and Justice, directed by Tanel Toom, produced by Ivo Felt, co-produced by Armin Karu, Madis Tüür, Allfilm, Estonia
  6. Aurora, directed by Miia Tervo, produced by Max Malka, Dionysos Films, Finland
  7. Dogs Don’t Wear Pants, directed by J-P Valkeapää, produced by Aleksi Bardy, Helen Vinogradov, co-produced by Alise Gelze, Aija Berzina, Helsinki-filmi, Tasse Film, Finland, Latvia
  8. Maria’s Paradise, directed by Zaida Bergroth, produced by Daniel Kuitunen, Kaisla Viitala , co-produced by Evelin Penttilä, Liisa Penttilä-Asikainen, Elokuvayhtiö Komeetta, Stellar Film, Kaiho Republic, Finland, Estonia
  9. 24 hr Sunshine, directed by Juris Poskus, produced by Madara Melberga, FA Filma, Latvia
    10.City on the River, directed by Viesturs Kairišs, produced by Guntis Trekteris, co-produced by Julietta Sichel, Kestutis Drazdauskas, Peter Pagauss, Ego Media, 8Heads Productions, Artbox, Latvia, Czech Republic, Lithuania
  10. The Flood Won’t Come, directed by Marat Sargsyan, produced by Ieva Norvilienė, Tremora, Lithuania

Download the project catalogue.

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