25-04-2016

Estonian Film Institute Awards Microgrants for Features

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    The Estonian Film Insitute announced the latest two grants from its recently established microgrants scheme. The grants are awarded to Scandinavian Silence / Skandinaavia Vaikus by Martti Helde and Portugal by first-timer Lauri Lagle. Both grants are EUR 120,000 each and are funded in equal shares by the Estonian Film Institute and the Cultural Endowment of Estonia.

    Scandinavian Silence is the second feature for Helde, who debuted with the critically acclaimed In the Crosswinds (Allfilm), shot in tableau vivant style. The film is produced by Elina Litvinova of Three Brothers. It tells the story of a counter between sister and brother, the latter recently out of prison for causing the death of their parents.

    Portugal is the debut feature film for Lauri Lagle, better known for his acting roles in Veiko Õunpuu’s films. It is produced by Tiina Savi and the Oscar-nominated Ivo Felt from Allfilm.

    Two previous micogrants produced two outstanding features, Mother / Ema by Kadri Kõusaar (Meteoriit Film), that is making its festival premiere in the main section of Tribeca Film Festival, and Class Reunion / Klassikokkutulek by Rene Vilbre (Taska Film), that went on to become the highest-grossing Estonian film of all times.

    Both Scandinavian Silence and Portugal are scheduled for release in 2017.

    Source: Estonian Film Insitute