Pärn Designs Folklore Identity for PÖFF

Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, known locally as PÖFF, launched its first official visual identity on October 28. The design marks the start of the festival's 30th anniversary year, which runs from November 6 to November 22.

The festival commissioned Priit Pärn, an Estonian cartoonist and animation filmmaker, to create the concept. Pärn is 80 years old and unveiled the design on his birthday. The project was developed in collaboration with the creative agency AD Angels.

Pärn selected the Kilplased, a group of fictional characters from Estonian folklore, as the central motif. The figures are depicted in the process of making a film. Pärn stated that the characters are traditionally foolish but resourceful, and that their collective effort ensures success.

In an email exchange, Pärn explained that the agency approached him from a list of leading Estonian artists. He brought his wife, Olga, to the initial meeting to assist with technical aspects of the poster. He noted that he received no specific guidelines other than required proportions and a mandate for originality.

Pärn described his design process as taking approximately five minutes. He considered what a conventional festival poster should be and decided to create the opposite. He settled on a wallpaper-like concept featuring the Kilplased. The final image displays a glowing yellow background with a narrow strip of starry sky at the top.

Maria Plees, the festival's marketing head, said organizers aim to enter the next decade with a fresh perspective. The festival plans to use the characters across advertising and decorations. It intends to present a new visual concept each year, featuring a different Estonian artist.

Pärn has depicted the Kilplased since 1974, when he contributed to an animated film by Rein Raamat. He also published comic books featuring the characters. When asked about a future film, Pärn joked about a thriller concept but suggested it would likely remain unfunded.