PÖFF 2026: choosing a film, checking subtitles and booking tickets

A festival visit is easier to plan around a particular screening: who is coming, which languages they understand and when they can reach the venue. Even an appealing film can be an awkward choice if the subtitles do not work for you or there is no time to travel between cinemas.

The official PÖFF 2026 calendar lists the opening ceremony on 6 November and the awards ceremony on 20 November. Just Film runs from 6–22 November and PÖFF Shorts from 10–18 November. Check the programme and screenings on the festival website.

Begin with one realistic time window

Choose a day and a period your group genuinely has available. Allow for travel, the end of the screening and getting home. For a first festival visit, one main film and a backup choice are easier to organise than a full day of bookings.

Open the film description, then the individual screening. The title alone is insufficient: you need the date, time, cinema and auditorium. When there are several showings, save the exact one you intend to attend so that matching cover images do not cause confusion in messages.

Check film language and subtitle language separately

Look for the original language and the separate subtitle information. An English-language website does not establish that a screening is in English. Being shown in Tallinn also does not automatically mean a film has Estonian or Russian subtitles.

If a label is unclear, ask the festival before paying. Include the film title, screening date and time, and the language you need. That makes the question more precise than simply asking whether a translation is available.

With children: explore Just Film

For a family visit, open the Just Film programme. Check the particular film’s age recommendation, content and language. A children’s festival does not mean every screening suits every child equally well.

Read the description together where appropriate. Discuss the length, serious or frightening themes and whether your child is comfortable reading subtitles. Leave time for arrival and a quiet conversation afterwards. A cinema visit could be part of Father’s Day on 8 November if the chosen film interests everyone.

Before completing a booking

• Check the exact date, time, venue and auditorium.
• Confirm the original language and subtitles for that screening.
• Read the ticket category and discount conditions.
• Check for any extra steps when using a festival pass.
• Read the rules for changes or a cancelled screening.

Follow booking links from the official programme. Compare the basket with your plan once more before paying, and save the confirmation somewhere separate from promotional emails. Use the current ticket price rather than a figure in an article about a previous festival.

Planning more than one film

Make a short table with the start, approximate finish based on the stated running time, venue and route to the next auditorium. Leave a buffer between screenings. Two neighbouring entries in a programme do not establish that the venues are next to each other.

Before leaving, check notices for your chosen screening and the weather conditions. Find further cultural outing ideas in our Travel section. Keep the final itinerary in one place everyone in the group can access.