The Spanish film “The Good Daughter” made history at PÖFF and put Tallinn on the film world's map
Tallinna mustade ööde filmifestival PÖFF brought a historic moment to the city this year: for the first time in the festival’s 29-year history, the same film won both the Grand Prix and the Audience Award. That film is the Spanish-Belgian drama “The Good Daughter” (“La buena hija”), directed by Júlia de Paz Solvas.poff.ee+1
In addition to the two main awards, the young actress Kiara Arancibia also received the PÖFF Best Actress award for her leading role in the same film, confirming “The Good Daughter” as the most emblematic film of this year's PÖFF.dmovies.org+1
The Grand Prix comes with a 20 000-euro grant, awarded by the city of Tallinn and shared between the film’s director and producers.ERR+1This is not merely recognition for one film crew—it is an important investment in Tallinn’s image as an international cultural city and creative capital.
What kind of film is “The Good Daughter”?
“The Good Daughter” is a 2025 drama film directed by Spanish filmmaker Júlia de Paz Solvas and co-written with screenwriter Núria Dunjóga. The film stars young actor Kiara Arancibia, alongside Janet Novás, Julián Villagrán and Petra Martínez. It is a Spanish–Belgian co-production, made with contributions from Astra Pictures, Avalon and Belgium’s Krater Films.Wikipedia+1
The story follows a teenager named Carmela, who lives with her mother and grandmother after her parents separate. At the same time, she longs to spend more time with her father, an idol of hers who is a visual artist. It is an intimate drama, told through a child's eyes, about family tensions, divorce and loyalty between two parents.ERR+1
The film is based on Solvas’s earlier short film “Harta” (2021), which won awards at several festivals, and the feature film carries forward the same sensitive and realistic style. The director has said that she was also inspired by the Belgian film “Close,” which likewise addresses children’s vulnerability and resilience in a very delicate way.Wikipedia
Historic triple victory at PÖFF
PÖFF’s official announcement confirms that for the first time in the festival’s history, the Grand Prix and the Audience Award went to the same film—“The Good Daughter.”poff.ee+1This means the film resonated both with an international professional jury and with the general public, an extraordinary combination in the context of PÖFF.
The jury explained its decision by saying that the film is a powerful and emotional drama that explores family conflicts through the eyes of a teenage girl. The story touches on difficult themes—divorce, the shadow of violence, love, and guilt—but does so sensitively and realistically. Kiara Arancibia’s natural and vulnerable performance is what makes viewers empathize with Carmela and reflect on her choices.ERR+1
Critics have also recognized this. For example, international film critics have called “The Good Daughter” “an assured and sensitively directed work,” highlighting the director’s skill in working with young actors and telling complex stories through a minimalist yet effective cinematic language.screendaily.com+1
The third major milestone is the Best Actress Award, which also went to Arancibia.dmovies.org+1 This is a remarkable debut for the young actor, who, thanks to the recognition received in Tallinn, is now likely to come to the attention of many European and international filmmakers.
PÖFF as Tallinn’s calling card: an A-class film festival in the heart of Northern Europe
Tallinna mustade ööde filmifestival has long ceased to be merely a “local cinema event.” PÖFF is an international A-category film festival, recognised by FIAPF (International Federation of Film Producers Associations) as being in the same league as Berlin, Cannes, Venice and other world-renowned festivals.FilmFreeway
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The numbers speak for themselves: PÖFF brought over 93 000 viewers to cinemas; nearly 250 feature films and over 300 short films from more than 80 countries were screened. The festival welcomed more than 1700 accredited guests from 65 countries—directors, producers, sales agencies, festival representatives and journalists.
It is against this backdrop that the historic victory of “The Good Daughter” becomes significant for Tallinn's brand and reputation:
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this shows that Tallinn hosts a festival where major moments in film history are made;
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this confirms PÖFF as a platform where films make their international breakthrough;
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this directly associates Tallinn with keywords such as quality cinema, creativity, international dialogue, and cultural capital.
When the Spanish and Belgian media report on the victory of “The Good Daughter,” they always mention Tallinn and Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival as well.variety.com+1 This is free and highly effective international publicity for the city as a creative and internationally open destination.
20 000 euros for creativity: the role and message of the city of Tallinn
The 20 000-euro grant from the city of Tallinn accompanying PÖFF’s Grand Prix is not just an award—it is a clear signal that the city sees the film and creative sectors as a strategic investment.ERR+1
The grant will be divided between the director and the film's producers and will help:
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cover the costs of the film's festival circuit and marketing,
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to support the development of the following projects,
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strengthen international networks, with Tallinn remaining at their centre.
This is a very concrete example of how a local authority can support the creative sector in a way that benefits not only one team but has a wider impact—every time “The Good Daughter” is mentioned as “the winner of the PÖFF Grand Prix in Tallinn”, it helps promote Tallinn as a film-friendly city and a cultural capital.
PÖFF as a platform for international film connections and creative collaboration
In addition to the main programme, PÖFF comprises several sub-festivals and industry platforms:
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Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event – one of the most important meeting places for film professionals in Northern and Eastern Europe;
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Just Film – a festival of children’s and youth films;
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PÖFF Shorts – a programme of short films and animation.FilmFreeway
“The Good Daughter” is not simply a film that came to Tallinn to collect an award. It had its world premierehere in the PÖFF competition programme before going on to other festivals and cinemas.Wikipedia+1
This means:
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Tallinn is a place where international filmmakers want to screen their films for the first time;
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this is where many films begin their festival journey, during which PÖFF and Tallinn are repeatedly mentioned in the international media;
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the festival builds connections that lead to future Estonian–Spanish, Estonian–Belgian and other collaborative projects.
When a European producer or sales agent thinks about where to bring their next film for its world premiere, PÖFF is increasingly on their shortlist—especially now that the triumph of “The Good Daughter” has brought the festival additional attention.variety.com+1
Kiara Arancibia – a young star connecting Tallinn and Spanish cinema
“The Good Daughter” centres on 17-year-old Kiara Arancibia, for whom this role is a major breakthrough. Her natural and emotional performance has already attracted critics’ attention, and PÖFF’s Best Actress Award strengthens her position as a new European film star.kino.ee+1
For the young actor, Tallinn will now always be a significant place—it was here that their international recognition began. And conversely, whenever their filmography is presented in the future, PÖFF and Tallinn will be mentioned as the city where they won their first major award.
This creates soft cultural ties between Tallinn and Spain:
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the Spanish press is writing about Tallinn in connection with the story of its talented new actor;
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Spanish film fans will hear about Tallinn as a festival and film city;
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future projects may choose Tallinn as a filming or premiere location.
Tallinn’s image as a city of creativity and film culture
Tallinn already has a strong image as part of a digital nation and as a start-up capital, but PÖFF and the success of The Good Daughter add another clear layer to its identity: Tallinn as a city of creativity, cinematic art and international cultural dialogue.
Why is this important for the city and its residents?
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Benefits for tourism and business
Every year, PÖFF brings thousands of visitors to the city – film fans, journalists and industry representatives. They use local hotels, restaurants, taxis and cultural services, generating direct revenue for both large and small businesses. -
International visibility
When publications such as Variety, Screen Daily, Cineuropa and ERR's English-language portal write about PÖFF and the awards won by “The Good Daughter”, the name Tallinn reaches an international audience millions of times.ERR+3variety.com+3screendaily.com+3 -
Development of the creative ecosystem
The festival brings directors, producers, screenwriters, artists, composers, and other creative professionals here. Every meeting, workshop, or pitch can be the start of a new collaboration, including with Estonian creators. -
Revitalising urban spaces and the community
PÖFF fills autumn evenings with events taking place across the city, creating a sense that all of Tallinn is breathing in rhythm with the art of film. This strengthens the sense of community and gives people a reason to be proud of their city.
PÖFF and Tallinn’s creative economy: opportunities for businesses
Although the focus is on one particular film and its victory, the broader impact can be felt throughout Tallinn’s creative and service economy.
Local businesses – from small cafés to design studios and technology companies – have the opportunity during PÖFF to:
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offer their services and products to festival guests;
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create partnerships (for example, pop-up events, special menus, and custom designs for the festival);
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use the fact that Tallinn is home to an A-list film festival in their own marketing as well.
The Good Daughter's double victory, winning both the Grand Prix and the Audience Award, further raises PÖFF's visibility – and this means that every partner, every supporter and every Tallinn company connected to the festival in any way benefits from this attention.
What does this mean for Tallinn residents?
An ordinary Tallinn resident might ask: “Why should I care which film won PÖFF?”
There are actually several reasons:
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High-quality culture on your doorstep. Instead of waiting a year for a film that may or may not reach cinemas, people in Tallinn can see world premieres right here.
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Pride in one's city. The fact that both critics and audiences fell in love with a film in Tallinn means that we live in a city that is taken seriously as a partner in the cultural world.
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Inspiration for young people. The Kiara Arancibia award is a good example of how young talent can achieve a major breakthrough when there are platforms and festivals that recognise such talent. The same applies to young Estonian creators – PÖFF can be their springboard.
Tallinn after PÖFF: what next?
PÖFF 2025 ended on 23 November, but the festival's impact does not end with the final screening.ERR+1 “The Good Daughter” continues its journey at other festivals and later on cinema screens around the world. Every time the film is introduced as the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival Grand Prix and Audience Award winner, Tallinn will also be remembered as the city where this success began.screendaily.com+1
Tallinn can use this story:
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in the city's marketing as a city of culture and film;
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in shaping creative and film policy, integrating PÖFF and similar events even more firmly into the city’s strategy;
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in attracting international cooperation projects, offering Tallinn as a filming location, development hub, and festival partner.
In conclusion
The Spanish film “The Good Daughter” did more than win awards at PÖFF—it made festival history and brought Tallinn even more clearly onto the international film map. A double win (Grand Prix + Audience Award), the Best Actress title, a 20 000-euro grant from the city of Tallinn, and a world premiere right here form a combination that speaks above all of Tallinn as a boldly international, film-friendly city that supports creativity.
This is a story worth keeping on the front page – both in the culture section and when discussing Tallinn’s future as a true cultural capital of Northern Europe.