PÖFF30 | Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival | 6-22 november 2026 | Cinema Artis
Amsterdam, 1982. When journalist Jan Brokken meets Youri Egorov – the world-famous Soviet pianist who fled his homeland because of his sexuality – an unexpected friendship begins. Jan, quiet and guarded, is drawn to Youri’s brilliance, excess and freedom; Youri, in turn, recognises in Jan a kindred outsider.
As their bond deepens, Youri inspires Jan to find the courage to pursue the life he has always postponed: becoming a writer.
“The film explores exile, memory and chosen family. Both Jan and Youri are trapped – one by guilt, the other by secrets. Through Youri’s death, Jan finds liberation; through Jan’s love, Youri finds home. More than a biopic, “Youri” is a testament to the enduring power of music, friendship, and empathy – a human connection that defies politics, borders and time.” - Sander Burger, director
In cinema 11/19/2026
PÖFF: Youri
Youri
-
Genre
Drama, Biography
Director
Sander Burger
Run time
1h 50min
Cast
Levan Gelbakhiani, Joes Brauers, Julia Akkermans, Rick Paul van Mulligen
Genre
Drama, Biography
Director
Sander Burger
Run time
1h 50min
Cast
Levan Gelbakhiani, Joes Brauers, Julia Akkermans, Rick Paul van Mulligen
PÖFF30 | Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival | 6-22 november 2026 | Cinema Artis
Amsterdam, 1982. When journalist Jan Brokken meets Youri Egorov – the world-famous Soviet pianist who fled his homeland because of his sexuality – an unexpected friendship begins. Jan, quiet and guarded, is drawn to Youri’s brilliance, excess and freedom; Youri, in turn, recognises in Jan a kindred outsider. As their bond deepens, Youri inspires Jan to find the courage to pursue the life he has always postponed: becoming a writer. “The film explores exile, memory and chosen family. Both Jan and Youri are trapped – one by guilt, the other by secrets. Through Youri’s death, Jan finds liberation; through Jan’s love, Youri finds home. More than a biopic, “Youri” is a testament to the enduring power of music, friendship, and empathy – a human connection that defies politics, borders and time.” - Sander Burger, director
Amsterdam, 1982. When journalist Jan Brokken meets Youri Egorov – the world-famous Soviet pianist who fled his homeland because of his sexuality – an unexpected friendship begins. Jan, quiet and guarded, is drawn to Youri’s brilliance, excess and freedom; Youri, in turn, recognises in Jan a kindred outsider. As their bond deepens, Youri inspires Jan to find the courage to pursue the life he has always postponed: becoming a writer. “The film explores exile, memory and chosen family. Both Jan and Youri are trapped – one by guilt, the other by secrets. Through Youri’s death, Jan finds liberation; through Jan’s love, Youri finds home. More than a biopic, “Youri” is a testament to the enduring power of music, friendship, and empathy – a human connection that defies politics, borders and time.” - Sander Burger, director
Info
Rating
-
Production year
2026
Global distributor
Levelk
Local distributor
Pimedate Ööde Filmifestival MTÜ
In cinema
11/19/2026