PÖFF: Tingatinga Between Two Homes

PÖFF30 | Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival | 6-22 november 2026 | Cinema Artis

In this charming tale, ever-positive Daniel realises he might be the only Tanzanian in all of China. Each morning, he gathers duck eggs, counts them, then grabs a brush. Daniel paints on a wall to show his Chinese neighbours the richness of Africa, challenging their belief that his homeland is dry and waterless. His paintings burst with colour and energy, lifting the spirits of those who see them. Inspired by Edward Saidi Tingatinga, founder of the vivid Tingatinga style, Daniel searches for hidden links between animals and agriculture. Daniel brings the same warmth to his job as a hotel manager, solving crises. Chasing pigs for the first time fascinates Daniel. His enthusiasm contrasts with the reserve of rural Chinese farmers, who rarely show their feelings and cherish old traditions. Tingatinga art is pure Tanzanian joy, with giraffes that seem to leap from cartoons and elephants that make you laugh. Guided by hope, Daniel cautiously chooses his path, wandering the world, reading poetry and slowly discovering what it means to build a family with Leah. Everyday ties between China and Africa are rarely explored from such an intimate and unique perspective.

Edvinas Pukšta