Estonian filmmaker Katrin Ruus is shooting her debut feature, Night Journeys (Öised rännakud), a film inspired by motifs from Estonian writer Peeter Sauter’s novella Pilgrimage (Palverännak). It tells the story of one man’s journey through loss back to love and life. Production is taking place in Tallinn, Narva and southern Estonia.

The story follows Mikk, a 50-year-old freelance journalist who was once a rebellious writer of scandal stories but is now struggling with the death of his son. Until now, he has spent much of his life as a free spirit, doing what he wanted, falling in and out of love, and becoming a father. Mikk is suddenly confronted with emotions, thoughts and challenges that his lifelong philosophy has not prepared him for. Gentle by nature but lacking determination, he must find his footing again amid the turmoil of his life, support his children and make his way through grief towards love.

The leading roles are played by Estonian actors Indrek Sammul (The Invisible Fight), as Mikk, and Kristina Preimann. The supporting cast includes Luisa Lõhmus, Hendrik Toompere (8 Views of Lake Biwa), Kersti Heinloo (The Shadow), Alden Kirss, Andrus Vaarik, Katariina Tamm (Our Erika), Elisabet Reinsalu and Rahel Tegova.

Ruus directs from a screenplay written by Peeter Urbla and herself. Mart Raun is the director of photography, with Katrin Sipelgas as production designer, Marit Ahven as costume designer, Kaia Pihlak as make-up designer, Martin Männik as editor and Markus Andreas as sound designer. Ruus has previously worked across short-film and television projects, firmly establishing herself as a respected director and screenwriter within Estonia’s film industry.

Night Journeys is being produced by Sander Lebreht and Peeter Urbla for Estonian production company Exitfilm. The production is supported by the Estonian Film Institute, the Cultural Endowment of Estonia and the Viru Film Fund. The film is scheduled for a 2027 theatrical release.