Ukrainian cinema club in Estonia

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The Ukrainian Cinema Club in Estonia was established by the Association of Ukrainian Organizations in Estonia with the support of the Embassy of Ukraine in Estonia in February 2023. Twice a month, we introduce Estonians and Ukrainians to classical and modern cinema created by talented Ukrainian directors. It is a series of feature and documentary films. We got this opportunity thanks to our close cooperation with Ukrainian film companies, who kindly agreed to provide us with films of their production.

On February 25, we celebrated the 1st anniversary of the film club, which has become a platform that unites Ukrainians, fulfills the deep need for an emotional connection with the homeland, and gives a feeling of inseparable unity with Ukraine.

During the year, we showed 20 films in Tallinn alone! Additionally, there were at least 15 screenings of these films in other cities of Estonia: Tartu, Narva, Saku, Kuressaare, Valga, Võru, Pärnu, Sillamäe, Paide, and Kohtla-Järve. Screenings are regularly held in Tallinn at the cult cinema Sõprus, in Tartu at Elektriteater, in Narva at Kesklinna Raamatukogu, and in Pärnu at Endla Teater. As a rule, all the films shown to our viewers during the year are modern film art, which, despite the war, is increasing its production.

All films are broadcast in Ukrainian with English subtitles. Six months ago, we started producing Estonian subtitles. The first such film was “«Slovo» House: Unfinished Novel” which we showed to the Estonian audience at the Kumu Museum cinema, as well as in Pärnu at the Endla Teater. The second film to be screened with Estonian subtitles was "Culture Against War," and recently, audiences in Estonia also saw the subtitled "Black Raven."

In addition, as part of the Year of Cultural Diversity 2024 in Estonia, we decided to improve the film club project and prepare for the demonstration of Estonian-produced films with Ukrainian subtitles. The production of subtitles provides an opportunity for both Ukrainians and Estonians to get to know each other's cultural heritage. I am sure that through cinema, the two peoples will be able to learn about the traditions, ethnos, and history of our countries, particularly, learn the language and better understand each other's mentality and culture!

For the selection of Estonian films, we involved cinema Sõprus, one of the oldest and most iconic cinemas in Estonia, which, throughout the existence of the film club, has given us the opportunity to show Ukrainian films for free! So far, 8 films from different eras have been selected to present Estonian cinematography to Ukrainians!They are SELTSIMEES LAPS, NIMED MARMORTAHVLIL, 1944, SAVVUSANNA SÕSARAD, NOVEMBER, KRATT, CROSSWIND.

A special guest is invited to give a short speech at the presentation of each show. During the film club's existence, the following guests have attended film screenings: American Ambassador to Estonia George Peter Kent, Minister of Defense of Estonia Hanno Pevkur, Minister of Social Protection of Estonia Signe Riisalo, Member of the Parliament of Estonia (Riigikogu) Marko Mihkelson, former deputy of the Parliament of Estonia (Riigikogu) Tarmo Kruusimäe, one of the founders of the NGO Vaba Ukraine Andrus Rumm, director of the PÖFF film festival – Black Nights Tiina Lokk, producer and founder of Fresh Production Group Oleg Shcherbyna, famous actor, director, and screenwriter Viktor Andrienko, Estonian sculptor and artist Tauno Kangro, Ukrainian artist Dmytro Dobrovolskyi, outstanding Ukrainian musician and singer Oleg Skrypka, and Ukrainian director and actor Akhtem Seitablayev.

Additionally, last year, we launched the Children's Film Club. On weekends for two months, we showed cartoons and films aimed at a children's audience and their parents. As part of the Children's Film Club, we traveled through the cities and towns of Estonia to show Ukrainian films to all Ukrainian children living in this country. This project is planned to continue this year as well.

The screenings take place on a charitable basis, but the audience can, if they wish, donate money for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the civilian population of Ukraine as part of the assistance provided by the Association of Ukrainian Organizations in Estonia.

The list of all films that have been shown during the existence of the film club:

“Slovo” House. Unfinished Novel
Crimea. The stolen peninsula
A Compilation of Ukrainian short comedies “Smile, Ukrainian!”
From Ukraine to Hollywood
Carol of the Bells
My War

Malevich. Born in Ukraine
TOLOKA
Culture vs War consists of six documentary stories, featuring heroes such as Serhii Mykhalchuk (cinematographer), Serhii Zhadan (writer, musician), the band "Antitila," Vlada and Kostyantyn Liberov (photographers), Akhtem Seitablaev (film director, actor), and Taras Kompanichenko (kobzar).
Myrnyi-21
Beyond the Peace
TERYKONY
DZHURA THE KING’S SON
IVAN SYLA
Holodomor. Chroniclers
DOVBUSH
Eastern Front
Kings of Rap
Silent Deportation
The Hardest Hour
Black Raven
Mavka: Forest Song

A short summary of each film can be read at the link

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