Three Screen Ireland supported films selected for Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival youth sub-festival
Posted: 8th October 2024
Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland is delighted to congratulate the teams behind Spilt Milk, The Magic Reindeer: Saving Santa's Sleigh and Kneecap on their selection for the 24th Just Film Festival, the biggest sub-festival of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, consisting of a competition programme of youth and children's films alongside various special programmes.
Receiving its World Premiere at the festival, Spilt Milk follows eleven-year-old Bobby O’Brien, who dreams of becoming a great detective like his TV hero Kojak. Bobby sets up a private investigation enterprise with his best friend Nell, when the disappearance of his older brother sets them off on a quest to find him. Director Brian Durnin, screenwriter Cara Loftus and producers Laura McNicholas and James Heath will be in attendance for the World Premiere screening on Saturday, 9th November. Spilt Milk will screen in the International Youth Competition, making it eligible for the Just Film Grand Prix.
The Magic Reindeer: Saving Santa's Sleigh, known internationally as Niko - Beyond the Northern Lights, will receive its Baltic Premiere at the festival. After a tearful goodbye, Niko leaves his family behind to fulfil his biggest dream and take his place next to his father on Santa’s Flying Forces. Through friendships old and new, Niko learns to forge his own path and reconcile old hurts in this heartwarming adventure. The film is a co-production between Finland, Germany, Denmark and Ireland. The film is produced by Antti Haikala, Hannu Tuomainen, Emely Christians, Moe Honan and Anders Mastrup for Anima Vitae, Cinemaker, Ulysses Films, Moetion Films and A. Film Production, in association with Telepool, Nordisk Film, Global Screen – also handling sales – Bac Films, MTV, RTE and DR.
Following its theatrical release in Ireland over the summer, Rich Peppiatt's Kneecap will continue its international festival run in Tallinn for its Estonian Premiere. Written and directed by Rich Peppiatt, the film stars the members of Kneecap in a fictionalised origin story of the West Belfast rap trio. The film is still playing in select cinemas across Ireland, and is now available to rent on all major streaming platforms. Kneecap was produced by Trevor Birney and Jack Tarling for Fine Point Films and Mother Tongues Films, with Patrick O'Neill at Wildcard acting as Co-Producer.
This year's festival takes places from 8th to 24th November. More information on the festival and screening times can be found here.