The next BFM director will be Ivo Lille
Today, experienced leader and musician Ivo Lille was elected as the next Director of the Baltic Film, Media and Arts School (BFM) at Tallinn University. His five-year term of office will begin on 1 September.
“In my vision, BFM should be a place where creativity, practical skills, research, and pedagogy do not function in parallel, but as an integrated whole. I want to lead BFM in a way that makes people feel included, heard, and valued — whether they are students, academic staff, or external partners. For me, it is important to ensure a clear direction, collaborative leadership, and practical changes that reduce bureaucracy and support more meaningful creative work and teaching. I see BFM’s future as an internationally visible and influential centre of excellence that brings together strong professional expertise, innovation, the opportunities offered by AI, and close cooperation with companies and society,” said Ivo Lille.
The candidates for the position of BFM Director were documentary filmmaker and current Acting Director of BFM Riho Västrik, and experienced leader and musician Ivo Lille. The director was elected today by the electoral committee convened at 11:00, consisting of members of the Council of the Baltic Film, Media and Arts School and the Rector of Tallinn University.
Ivo Lille has previously served as Director of the Georg Ots Tallinn Music School and as Music Adviser at the Ministry of Culture. He has also been a member of the supervisory boards of several of Estonia’s leading music institutions, including the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, and Estonian Concert. Since 2024, Lille has served as Executive Director of Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom.
The term of office for the next Director of the Baltic Film, Media and Arts School of Tallinn University will run from 1 September 2026 until 31 August 2031. Until then, the institute will continue to be led by Acting Director Riho Västrik.
