Tallinn hosts international congress of science and documentary producers

The World Congress of Science and Factual Producers is taking place at the Kultuurikatel cultural centre in Tallinn, Estonia, through Thursday. It is being held to mark the 30th anniversary of the Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF). Nearly 600 participants from more than 30 countries are attending.

The forum is devoted to science, history, nature and other factual content. It gathers creators, producers, distributors, broadcasters and streaming platforms from around the world. One of the industry's main current problems is shrinking funding and declining budgets.

The search for new funding

Congress executive producer Sara Ramsden said the biggest challenge for delegates is finding new sources of money. They must decide whether to move from traditional broadcasting to YouTube, become content creators themselves, or seek support from foundations.

Filmmaker Charlotte Cayre Tisseyre said every country struggles to finance large documentary projects. International cooperation matters both editorially and financially, and she said it is often the only way to get such projects made.

Artificial intelligence and new audiences

Reaching new audiences is another key topic. Participants are also examining how artificial intelligence is reshaping film production and the wider industry. The programme includes four discussions on the subject. Ramsden said it is a major challenge for television, as some broadcasters accept its use and others do not. In her words, AI is eliminating jobs across the industry, and people are still trying to work out how to deal with the new technology.

PÖFF CEO Mikk Granström said that hosting the congress in Tallinn is a recognition for the festival and for Estonia, as well as a chance for local filmmakers and researchers to make direct contacts. He noted that major documentaries often begin at congresses like this one. Jaan Aru is speaking at the event about AI, and Granström said Estonia is the first country to take this kind of AI step in education.