The 18th Black Nights Film Festival opens tonight in Tallinn with “Warsaw 44” by Jan Komasa with the introduction by the director Komasa, actor Józef Pawłowski and producer Jan Kwiencinski. The Bruno Oýa Award for the young Estonian actor will be presented at the red carpet opening ceremony in the Nordea Concert Hall.

Warsaw 44: Summer 1944. Warsaw, Poland, is occupied by the Nazis. After the death of his father, Stefan works at a chocolate factory to support his mother and brother. Humiliated by the Nazis every day, Stefan wants to join the anti-Nazi resistance but he can’t because he promised her mother not to engage in any military activity. At last, he plans a revolt with his friends, while also falling in love with a girl. 

“Warsaw 44” is based on an actual revolt that happened on August 1, 1944 in occupied Warsaw. This is a story of young Varsovians full of life and passion. They live their lives as if each day was to be their last. It’s not, however, due to their bravado or recklessness – this attitude is a natural thing considering the reality they face. They witness sacrifice and heroism, but also cruelty, betrayal and murder. They learn about love and discover what hate feels like. History teaches them a bloody and brutal lesson in growing up.

What they don’t know is that History has something in store for them...

The award has been an initiative by the Polish actor Daniel Olbrychski and is supported by the Polish insurance company PCU AMA with a grant for a young Estonian actor on the verge of international breakthrough. Bruno Oýa was an Estonian-Polish actor who reached international fame in 1967 with the film “Nobody Wanted to Die”. The foundation will work as part of the Black Nights and issue the award annually.
The winners of the competition “My Polish Film” will be announced at the ceremony. People were invited to submit their memories and experiences with the Polish film as texts or videos.
With the Polish focus Black Nights wishes to celebrate one of the most unique film cultures of Europe. The historic continuity, strong tradition of film education and dialogue of generations symbolize the strength of Polish film. 16 Polish films will be screened at the Black Nights.

The President of Estonia, Toomas Hendrik Ilves will speak at the opening ceremony as well as the Minister of Culture and Heritage of Poland, Prof. Malgorzata Omilanowska. Choreography of the ceremony is by Rene Köster, music by Sander Mölder, video art by VJ Emiko (Poland), dance performance by Twisted Dance Company.