Haapsalu Horror and Fantasy Film Festival

Text Stewart Johnson
Photo Visit Estonia / HÕFF

Haapsalutely the biggest horror and fantasy film festival in the Baltics, HÕFF—the Haapsalu Horror and Fantasy Film Festival—will take place from 30 April until 2 May. During these three days, 35 films from 25 countries will be screened, along with short film screenings, and special thematic events. HÕFF frequently features films that have been awarded or recognised at major international festivals, but that are unlikely to receive wider theatrical releases in Estonia, so if you’re a fan of the genre, this is definitely the festival for you.

Since its first event in 2005, HÕFF has grown to be an internationally recognised gathering for fans of darker and more unconventional cinema. The organisers plan a deliberately broad spectrum of genre films, including new releases in horror, fantasy, and sci-fi, as well as retrospectives of classic films, and for more adventurous viewers, there’s a selection of extreme and cult titles. HÕFF also features special sections showcasing particular themes, regions, and filmmakers, such as Estonian genre shorts, to offer a platform for emerging talent.

The venue for HÕFF is also a key feature in what makes it so attractive. The Haapsalu Culture Centre is a former Soviet-era location that has been renovated into a multi-theatre cinema space. Late-night screenings and special events enhance the immersive and sometimes eerie experience, making the festival as much about mood as it is about films.

The event is organised by the Black Nights Film Festival, or PÖFF, in cooperation with local partners, linking it to one of Northern Europe’s most important film institutions. Over the years, HÕFF has hosted international premieres, welcomed filmmakers and guests from around the world, and built a reputation for bold programming without strict content limits.

More information is available here, as well as the complete schedule for all films, and tickets. This link also provides suggestions for accommodations and transport to and from Haapsalu.

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