The contenders series at Scandinavia House returns this season with screenings of films chosen by the Nordic & Baltic countries to compete for the Oscar nomination for Best International Feature Film!
On November 30, see a special screening with Estonia’s official nomination for the 95th Academy Awards, “Kalev” (dir. Ove Musting, Estonia, 2022), as well as the Estonian short film “Sierra”, submitted for this year’s Best Animated Short Film. Director Ove Musting will be present for a film talk and Q&A following the event.
In the summer of 1990, the Soviet Union is teetering on the verge of collapse, while the Baltic nations are struggling to take back their lost independence. As the USSR’s basketball championship is set to begin against this deeply divided backdrop, the Estonian team Kalev faces a momentous decision — whether to participate amid a rising tide of public opposition, or to bow out. As professional athletes, the team makes the unpopular choice. And as the championship begins, the turbulent moment intertwines with fierce battles on the court (94 min. In Estonian with English subtitles).
“Director Musting’s thoughtful approach to the subtle balance between truth and fiction speaks highly of his dedication to the story of the Estonian beloved team”—Ion Cinema
In the short film “Sierra’ by director Sander Joon (Estonia, 2022), a father and son are losing a footrace. In order to win, the boy turns himself into a car tire! Loosely inspired by the director’s childhood, Sierra pulls us into a surreal car-racing world. Sierra has won Oscar-qualifying awards at Palm Springs Shortfest, AFI FEST and the San Francisco International Film Festival and is the first Estonian film acquired by the Criterion Channel (16 min. In Estonia with English subtitles).
This screening will take place in-person at Scandinavia House in Victor Borge Hall on Wednesday, November 30 at 7 PM. A director’s talk follows the screening.
