31/01/2014 - A new Estonian feature collects films from six new filmmakers for a thought provoking and satisfying anthology

The latest anthology of short films to be released in Estonian cinemas follows on from last year’s Karikakramäng II (Daisy Petal Game II) in showcasing the work of young filmmakers to domestic audience while also reflecting a general trend internationally for distributors to toy with limited theatrical releases of short film anthologies. While these can often seem rather disparate No One But You (Mitte Keegi Peale Sinu) – which contains six tales of individuals who must face the choices they have made – works well as a collection not only providing an entertaining yet diverse range of stories but also exposing audiences to the work of six young Estonian directors.

Highlights include Maria Reinup’s Mai, the story of a young woman in a bus who faces a moral choice in the face of a complex situation. A deceptively simple story told with aplomb and skill (especially when you consider it’s all filmed on a bus) and it results in a compelling affair. Also deceptively simple but equally compelling is Kaur Kokk’s Olga, the story of a dour car park attendant which manages to be a perfect example of the short film form allowing the audience to experience a rich narrative through gaps and silence. Other films include Triin Ruumet’s Pussy – a clever yet dark crime drama, Janno Jürgens’s Distance, a visually impressive black and white affair, Ivan Pavljutskov’s Ivan’s Day the story of a Russian man celebrating a holiday in an Estonian village and the entertainingly stylish My Condolences by Margus Paju.

Despite the changes of tone and style across each film, No One But You feels satisfying as a whole as if it were a particularly good tasting menu at a fine restaurant. There’s certainly a freshness here and the film succeeds admirably not only as a sometimes thought provoking and satisfying drama but in its effort to give young filmmakers a spotlight in theatres.