PÖFF Black Nights Stars and etalenta are inviting actors and actresses from the Baltic Sea region and the Nordic countries to apply for the Black Nights Stars Competition programme of 2026
etalenta is the official partner of the Black Nights Stars Programme 2026 | Apply directly via the platform
Black Nights Stars is a program launched by the Black Nights Film Festival in 2017. It is designed to help young actors from the Baltic Sea region and the Nordic countries gain international visibility and promote themselves inside and outside their home territories. The program facilitates connections with international film professionals and training in practical skills for their future international careers.
A renowned jury of international casting directors and other film industry professionals will select outstanding emerging talents from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Sweden, and Finland.
Please note the information and conditions for participation. You can complete the form on this page. After your registration, you will receive the link to the application page. There you can create and submit your application. It consists of your complete and up-to-date etalenta profile, including headshot and showreel scenes, a short written bio of yourself, a video about “Why I want to become a Black Nights Star” and a monologue (max. 1 minute) for which a script will be provided.
- The age limit is 20 – 35 years. Your age must be public on your profile.
- Applicants must have their permanent residence in one of the following countries:
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Germany, Poland - Applicants should not have been in more than 3 leading parts in feature films/series within the last 3 years. No limit if these are supporting roles.
- You will be available to participate in the program 16–21 November 2026, in Tallinn, with no conflicting duties elsewhere.
- You are able to communicate comfortably in English with international film professionals
- All selected candidates will need to cover their transportation costs to and from Tallinn, Estonia, themselves. The festival will cover accommodation and accreditation costs.
- Only the selected candidates will be asked to pay a mandatory submission fee for participating in this programme of 250 €. The submission fee payment information will be sent to the selected participants in autumn. We advise you to ask for assistance from your national film institute to cover the travel costs and participation fee.
- Due to the high number of applications, we will only contact the selected candidates by the end of June 2026.
- Don’t hesitate to apply again if you have already applied the previous years.