Evening events from Thursday October 17 to Sunday October 20, 2013 include pre-screening receptions and a cash bar, providing guests the opportunity to mingle prior to the films. Forget popcorn – complimentary “kringel,” traditional Estonian sweetbread cake is available for audiences to savor throughout the festival. EstDocs embraces non-Estonian speaking audiences, as the festival operates in English and all films include English subtitles.
In its 9th year, the 2013 EstDocs catalogue includes a wide variety of captivating titles. Subjects touch on the following narratives;
- An Estonian version of Mad Men; exploring advertising during Soviet occupation
- Estonia's activist communities; looking into the Occupy Wall Street movement and various so-called Pirate Political Parties in Europe
- Profile of a small town, home to a factory which produces food-filled tubes, previously consumed by Soviet cosmonauts
- An elderly nun living in a Russian Orthodox convent outside of Jerusalem
- A harrowing journey of seven classmates from 1943, who instead of heading to university were sent to fight for their nation's freedom in the war
- Following life's hardships, a story about a homeless woman and a pigeon-breeder who loses his job
- Estonian soldiers who feel the weight of their mission in the battlefields of Afghanistan
- The History of the rise of one of Estonia's most iconic hotels
- The Life of Gustav Ernesaks, the great standard bearer of Estonian choral music
“Joining EstDocs this year has been an incredible journey, together, with all the dedicated volunteers, we are committed to creating the most memorable and inspiring festival yet,” said Kristi Doughty, festival director at EstDocs. “EstDocs plays a significant role in Canada; the films expose audiences to the meaningful, often never –before- told stories from the small nation of Estonia. These specially selected titles may present very unique tales, but at their core, they will resonate universally with viewers of all backgrounds.”
Estonian Animation
New to this year, adults are invited to attend an afternoon of Estonian Animation on Saturday October 19. Estonia has a big reputation for animation, one that dates back to the 1930s. The hour-long program will present critically acclaimed Estonian animation that will astound and challenge viewers.
EstDocs rolls out the red carpet for this year's gala film
EstDocs is pleased to present this year's gala film, “To Breathe as One” (Üheshingamine). It is considered the unofficial sequel to the “Singing Revolution,” which won top prize at EstDocs 2007, and gained tremendous subsequent international attention. Directed by Maureen Castle Tusty, Bestor Cram, and Mike Majoros and produced in the USA and Estonia. The film presents Estonia's most important cultural event, The Song Festival, which in many ways defines the Estonian narrative. In 2009, the Piedmont Youth Choir from California is selected to participate in the Song Festival. This choir comes to the event knowing that they will be performing on a big concert stage, but leaves with the knowledge that the historical and emotional impact of the Song Festival is something greater than what they had expected.
Introducing Marek Tamm
Post-Screening discussions will be moderated by Marek Tamm. Marek is an Associate Professor of Cultural History at the Estonian Institute of Humanities, and Senior Researcher at the Institute of History (both through Tallinn University).
Complete festival schedule and summaries are available online at estdocs.com. EstDocs will run from October 17 – 22, 2013 in venues such as Isabel Bader Theatre, George Ignatieff Theatre, Estonian House (Eesti Maja) and Tartu College. Tickets can be purchased online, at the estore at 958 Broadview Avenue, Suite 101 or at the door prior to the screenings.
ABOUT ESTDOCS
EstDocs, the Estonian Documentary Film Festival and Competition in Toronto, is an audience festival and juried competition featuring movies that have a connection to Estonia. The festival features top documentary filmmaking talent from Estonia and around the world. Our mission is to provide a 360° perspective on Estonian history, politics, arts, culture, and social aspects. The festival's expanding profile is attributed to high quality entries and provocative Q&A post screening sessions with the filmmakers and film experts via Estonia-invented Skype.
For more information
Kaili Lupp
Communications and Marketing Director, EstDocs
Info@estdocs.com
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