We know Estonia
19.4.2023 | Culture

Haapsalu horror and fantasy film festival (HÕFF) will take place April 28-30

Text Timo Huttunen
Photo HÕFF

Haapsalu horror and fantasy film festival (HÕFF) will take place April 28-30"Home Owners"

 

Haapsalu’s horror and fantasy film festival HÕFF, which is being organised for the eighteenth time this year, is the largest genre film festival in the entire Baltic region. This year the festival will take place from April 28 to 30.

The principle behind creating the program is to avoid mainstream Hollywood horror and fantasy films and focus on independent films that are harder to find in cinemas, streaming platforms and online.

Over the years, HÕFF has developed into an internationally respected festival, known for its selection of the latest horror, fantasy and thriller films, as well as cult classics and retro and freak films.

The latest addition to the festival program is the horror comedy “Home Owners” by Spaniards Pablo Aragüés and Marta Cabrera.

In total, the festival will show 30 new and older horror, science fiction, thriller and short films.

The festival will open with the fairytale film “Sampo” from 1959, in which Eve Kivi, who turns 85 at the beginning of May, plays one of the main roles. The band Winny Puhh together with a children’s choir will participate in the opening.

This year, HÕFF focuses on Kim Ki-duk’s rarely-seen films. The event also features a competition for new Estonian genre films. For example, HÕFF will show Rain Rannu’s film “Child Machine” before its official release.”Pinocchio Punk” is a special program dedicated to Carlo Collodi’s famous wooden puppet Pinocchio and his variations.

Tickets to movies at the festivals cost 7 euros, festival passes cost 65 euros.

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Fantasy Film Film Film Festival Haapsalu Horror Horror Film HÕFF Sci-fi

9.3.2026 | Culture

Exciting events in Estonia this week

Exciting events in Estonia this week

6–28 March Raw Blocks of Black Iron exhibition, Tallinn Estonian metal artist Nils Hint’s exhibition and sale of blacksmithy … Read more

8.3.2026 | Culture

Black Eyed Peas to Perform in Tallinn This June

Black Eyed Peas to Perform in Tallinn This June

Internationally renowned hip-hop and dance pop group Black Eyed Peas will perform in Estonia for the first time on … Read more

5.3.2026 | Culture

“Countryside Tastes and Senses” Features Central Estonian Foods and Drinks

“Countryside Tastes and Senses” Features Central Estonian Foods and Drinks

Foods, beverages, and tales from Järva, Jõgeva, and Rapla Counties—Central Estonia—will be available at a fair in Tallinn’s T1 … Read more

4.3.2026 | Culture

Sunday Is Dedicated to Women

Sunday Is Dedicated to Women

International Women’s Day is celebrated on Sunday, 8 March. In Estonia, the day remains an important annual event during … Read more

4.3.2026 | Culture

Kizomba Tallinn Festival 2026 Features Several International Dance Styles

Kizomba Tallinn Festival 2026 Features Several International Dance Styles

Starting tomorrow, the Kizomba Tallinn Festival 2026 will feature four days and nights of global dance styles, workshops, and … Read more

3.3.2026 | Culture

Just Over a Month Until Tallinn Music Week, Praised by the BBC

Just Over a Month Until Tallinn Music Week, Praised by the BBC

Tallinn Music Week, Estonia’s most internationally known festival—recently listed by BBC Travel as one of “the world’s seven most … Read more

2.3.2026 | Culture

Exciting events in Estonia this week

Exciting events in Estonia this week

19 February–30 April “Monastic Life” Photo Exhibition, Laulasmaa At the Arvo Pärt Centre, an exhibition by Turkish–American reportage photographer … Read more

27.2.2026 | Culture

Pärnu’s Spring Full of Culture

Pärnu’s Spring Full of Culture

For most people, Pärnu is a sunny summer city full of beach life. However, the city is much more … Read more