26/11/2024 - We focus on the four projects from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania that were featured in the 22nd edition of the showcase unspooling alongside Tallinn Black Nights

The 22nd edition of the Baltic Event Works in Progress showcase, held during the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, highlighted four projects originating from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The three-member jury – consisting of Casey Baron, US programming lead at the Tribeca Film Festival; Julie Marnay, programme manager at First Cut Lab; and Alexis Cassanet, EVP International Sales & Distribution at Gaumont Film Company – subsequently selected the recipient of the €7,000 Best Project Award, which ended up being Renovation by Gabrielė Urbonaitė (see the news). This prize includes €6,000 worth of services by Studio Beep and a €1,000 travel allowance.

Here is the complete run-down of all four projects that were taking part:

Call Me Calendar - Juris Poškus (Latvia/Lithuania)
Producer: Madara Melberga, Aigars Sermukss
Call Me Calendar is a tragicomedy based on the Latvian debut novel of the same title, which became a bestseller. The film follows Oscar, a 30-year-old man with a heart of gold, who lives an impoverished life with his ailing mother. After falling in love with the Beautiful Girl, Oscar embarks on a journey of self-realisation, stepping away from his mum’s influence. He assembles a group of old and lonely townsfolk, who, despite their age, still embrace their childhood innocence. Together, they create a unique and heart-wrenching theatre performance to prove that loneliness can be overcome by following one’s heart. Directed and written by Juris Poškus, this coming-of-age film blends humour and social commentary, addressing themes of self-acceptance and defiance of societal norms. The film is currently in production, seeking broadcasters, co-producers and festival exposure.

Our Erika - German Golub (Estonia/Lithuania/Latvia)
Producers: Marju Lepp (Filmivabrik), Uljana Kim (Studio Uljana Kim), Armin Karu (Hansafilm), Marta Romanova-Jēkabsone (Kultfilma)
Our Erika is a biographical drama inspired by the life of Olympic gold medallist Erika Salumäe. The film chronicles her rise from a traumatic childhood in an orphanage and an abusive foster home to becoming a national hero in the Soviet Union. Despite facing severe psychological and physical challenges in a male-dominated sports world, Erika's defiance and determination lead her to win two Olympic gold medals. However, as she ascends to fame, she grapples with the question: does success bring the love and recognition she so desperately craves? Set against the backdrop of Estonia’s pre-independence era, the film explores themes of personal triumph, the harsh realities of sports and the emotional toll of chasing fame. Directed by German Golub and written by Mehis Pihla, the movie is currently in post-production, seeking international distributors, sales agents and festival exposure.

Renovation - Gabrielė Urbonaitė (Lithuania/Latvia)
Producers: Uljana Kim (Studio Uljana Kim), Alise Rogule (Mima Films)
Renovation is a drama that follows 29-year-old Ilona, a perfectionist who is under pressure to achieve personal success before her 30th birthday. As she and her boyfriend, Matas, move into a new flat, their relationship faces unexpected challenges. The apartment's renovation reveals deeper cracks not just in the building, but also in their relationship. Ilona’s growing connection with Oleg, a Ukrainian construction worker, forces her to confront doubts about settling down and the future she has envisioned. Amid this turmoil, Ilona reconnects with her long-lost passion for poetry, ultimately leading to a journey of self-discovery. Directed by Gabrielė Urbonaitė, the film explores themes of personal growth, identity and societal expectations, focusing on a woman’s coming of age in the face of intense emotional and societal pressure. Renovation is currently in production and is hoping to find distributors, gap-financing and festival exposure.

Sand in Your Hair - Mantas Verbiejus (Lithuania)
Producer: Živilė Gallego (Fralita Films)
Sand in Your Hair explores the deep emotional journey of Malvina, an 80-year-old former ballerina, who embarks on a path of self-discovery after a life of isolation. Following a courtroom divorce, Malvina and her fiancé, Kipras – both in their 80s – finally plan a trip to Berlin. However, they are thwarted when Kipras’s passport is withheld at his nursing home. The institution’s head forces Kipras to continue his treatment for dementia, creating a backdrop of emotional and societal tension. The film delves into themes of love, loneliness and the societal pressures that often marginalise the elderly. Directed by Mantas Verbiejus, it portrays the fragility of the human experience through intimate cinematography and poignant storytelling. The narrative unfolds in real time with long takes, capturing the stillness of the characters' lives and their attempts to resist the taboos of ageing. Sand in Your Hair is on the lookout for festival screenings and sales agents, and is set for completion by March 2025.