Catalan Musician Maria Arnal Opens Tallinn Film Festival with Passion

The 29th edition of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) commenced on November 10, 2023, with the premiere of Catalan director Carlos Marques-Marcet’s film They Will Be Dust (Polvo Serán) and a captivating performance by Catalan musician Maria Arnal. This year’s festival highlights the rich cultural tapestry of Catalonia, showcasing its cinema and music, curated by festival director Tiina Lokk and her team.

In an exclusive interview, Arnal expressed her excitement about performing in Estonia for the first time. She shared that the audience can expect a blend of songs from her new repertoire alongside selections from the film’s soundtrack. “It is super exciting since this is going to be my first time performing in Estonia,” she stated.

Arnal emphasized the significance of showcasing Catalan identity and culture at the festival. “I think there is a lot of quality and, sincerely, amazing films! Cultural bridges are so much needed in our world, especially right now,” she remarked.

Exploring Musical Diversity and AI

Arnal’s music is a unique fusion of avant-garde pop, electronics, and polyphonic folk. She explained her approach to music creation: “I never think of genres when I compose, never. I simply don’t relate to music in these terms.” Her process involves building sounds individually, allowing them to merge in unexpected ways.

As she prepares for her highly anticipated debut full-length solo album, Arnal described it as her favorite work to date. “I feel as vulnerable to share it as excited, and I am currently finishing the last details of the album.” The upcoming release, supported by a tour, aims to connect her artistry with audiences worldwide.

In addition to her musical endeavors, Arnal is engaging in projects that intersect sound, technology, and social issues, including climate change. She is currently researching the potential of synthetic voice models in collaboration with the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC).

“I wanted to understand how it works, how to use it in an ethical way, in a way that can be inspiring,” Arnal explained. With support from a European grant, she has collaborated with experts from diverse fields, enriching her creative process.

Arnal’s exploration of AI is not merely about replication; she aims to enhance her voice as a musical instrument. “Thanks to cloning it so many times, I have also realized what can’t be cloned, which has been super inspiring too,” she added, highlighting the depth of her research.

As the festival unfolds, Arnal’s performance promises to be a celebration of cultural expression, paving the way for future artistic collaborations. The Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival serves as a vital platform for artists like Arnal, fostering connections and dialogue through the universal language of music.

“I am so excited [for, once I’m] back from Tallinn, when the album will be released, and for the tour [tied to] the album,” she concluded, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating her next steps.