The 8th New York Baltic Film Festival returns to Scandinavia House (58 Park Avenue, NYC) from November 5–9, 2025, with a U.S. virtual program running November 10–16.
The festival plays a vital role in bringing the voices of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to an international audience. As the leading Baltic film festival in the U.S., it introduces emerging and established filmmakers to new viewers and fosters dialogue through screenings, Q&As, and discussions.
Estonian Highlights at NYBFF 2025
“The Exalted” (Latvia/Estonia/Greece, 2024) — North American Premiere
Directed by Juris Kursietis. A powerful, visually stunning story exploring human dignity and resilience.
Screening: Wednesday, November 5 at 6:00 PM (Opening Night) and Thursday, November 6 at 6:00 PM
”The Black Hole” (“Must Auk”, Estonia, 2024) — New York Premiere
Directed by Moonika Siimets. A compelling new drama from one of Estonia’s most distinctive filmmakers.
Screening: Thursday, November 6 at 8:15 PM
”Rolling Papers” (“Pikad Paberid”, Estonia, 2024) — New York Premiere
Directed by Meel Paliale.
A witty and unpredictable story about friendship, absurdity, and the art of improvisation.
Screening: Saturday, November 8 at 7:30 PM
”Becoming Roosi” (“Siit ta tuleb, Roosi,” Estonia/ Germany, 2025) — Documentary
Directed by Margit Lillak. A tender portrait of coming of age and self-discovery.
Screening: Sunday, November 9 at 3:15 PM
Baltic Shorts Program: Sunday, November 9, 3 PM
From Anna Hints and Tushar Prakash’s poetic “Sauna Day” (Sannapäiv) to Madli Lääne’s powerful “Jungle Law” (Ääremängijad), the program highlights some of the most compelling voices in contemporary short filmmaking. Other featured works include “Sujip” (dir. Gintare Parulyte), “Left-Handed Pen” (dir. Adas Burkšaitis), “Kafka. In Love” (dir. Zane Oborenko), and “Where Does the Sun Sleep at Night?” (dir. Ildze Felsberga).
In Memory of the Former Political Prisoner Mart Niklus, Viewed Through the Hopes and Fears of Modern-Day Central and Eastern Europe