_{Piece of my Heart by Dana Nechushtan}

The Black Nights Film Festival is the stage for the world premiere of Piece of my Heart** by Dana Nechushtan and Topkapi Films. Sales are handled by Beta Cinema. In the promiscuous 1970s in Amsterdam, disciplined ballerina Irma sees her amazingly talented friend and fellow ballerina Olga fall prey to anorexia, alcohol and drugs. The force of their intense friendship ultimately gives Irma the courage to help Olga free herself to live and die in her own way. Piece of my Heart is part of the Official Selection.

Bigman** by Camiel Schouwenaar and Rinkel Film continues its successful festival run. After it had its world premiere at Zlín Film Festival, it screened at among others Giffoni Film Festival, Kids Kino, Ale Kino, Schlingel International Film Festival for Children and Young Audience, Filem'On and Thessaloniki International Film Festival. Sales are handled by m-appeal. This bold family drama is centered around 13-year-old soccer player Dylan, who is forced to accept fate after a car accident leaves him wheelchair-bound. But, through his friendship with Youssef and 14-year-old Maya, he rediscovers his joy for life. It is selected for the Youth programme as part of PÖFF's youth and children's sub-festival Just Film.

Ninjas Down the Street**, directed by Pim van Hoeve and produced by Johan Nijenhuis & Co, is selected for the Children's programme of Just Film Festival. Sales are handled by DFW International. While Pirate captain Hector Blunderbuss struggles to get rid of his new neighbours, son Billy and Ninja daughter Yuka become friends. The Pirates challenge the Ninjas to the ultimate battle at the village's annual hexathlon. 

Neighbour Abdi* by Douwe Dijkstra and Valk Productions is selected for the Short Live Action competition. The documentary world premiered at the Locarno Film Festival where it won the Pardino d’argento for the International Competition. Sales are handled by Square Eyes. How can you understand a violent past? Somali-born Abdi is furniture designer and support worker. He reenacts his life, marked by war and criminality, with the help of his neighbour and filmmaker Douwe. Through playful reconstructions in a special effects studio, Abdi and Douwe embark on a candid and investigative journey through a painful history, focusing on the creative process throughout.

About Me by Ali Asgari and Damondi Works is also selected for the Short Live Action competition. The short world premiered at Warsaw International Film Festival. Sales are handled by Lights On. In About Me, young Fatima holds a secret that could change her fate; she must place her trust in a doctor to make a tough decision between cultural tradition and medical ethics.

In addition, the following minority Dutch co-productions are selected for PÖFF:

• Beautiful Beings**, directed by Guðmundur Arnar Gudmundson and co-produced by Bastide Films, is selected for the Children's Rights programme (Just Film Festival)
• Close**, directed by Lukas Dhont and co-produced by Topkapi Films, is selected for the Best Of programme
• Dreaming Walls*, directed by Amélie van Elmbt and Maya Duverdier and co-produced by Basalt Film, is selected for Doc@PÖFF
• A Letter from Helga**, directed by Ása Helga Hjörleifsdóttir and co-produced by Rotterdam Films, is selected for the Baltic Film Competition
• Luce and the Rock*, directed by Britt Raes and co-produced by Studio Pupil, is selected for the Short Kids Animation Competition

For more information on Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival 2022, click here.
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*Film is supported by the Netherlands Film Fund
**Film is supported by the Netherlands Film Fund and Film Production Incentive