The Black Nights Stars program announced its 2026 cohort of 10 emerging actors selected from more than 200 applications for the 10th anniversary edition of the talent initiative. The showcase takes place in Tallinn from Nov. 16–21 as part of the Discovery Campus at the 30th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival’s Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event.
For the first time, the program expanded its geographic scope to include applications from Iceland and Norway, alongside existing participation from the Baltic Sea region and Nordic countries. The selected talent work across film, television, and theater, spanning productions in languages including Sámi and across genres ranging from independent cinema to international streaming platforms.
An international jury of casting directors, talent agents, and producers selected the participants. The jury included Pauline Hansson from Sweden, Nina Haun from Germany, Yngvill Kolset Haga from Norway, Anders Nygaard from Denmark, Lana Veenker from the United States, Janey van Ierland from the Netherlands, and Richard Cook from the United Kingdom. During the festival week, participants will engage with international casting directors, talent agents, producers, and directors through workshops and discussions designed to build industry connections and advance their careers.
The selected actors will receive the Black Nights Stars Discovery Campus ICDA Award. Featured talent includes Estonian actor Joonas Koff, Lithuanian actress Rūta Jonikaitė, and Icelandic actor-filmmaker Gunnbjörn Gunnarsson, among others representing the region’s emerging creative talent.
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