All articles are in Estonian. However, we have translated the best quotes from Estonian film critics and journalists.
The Wild East aka the border town of Tartu
Tõnu Õnnepalu, Sirp (May 24, 2024)
“The greatest strength of this film as a whole is perhaps that half of its authors are foreigners (two Latvians, one Bulgarian, and one Swede), because a fresh, innocent perspective on things familiar to us is always enlightening. And this light allows them to appear somewhat exotic and strange.”
Fly paper between the local and not local aka multifaceted self-description
Martin Oja, Sirp (May 24, 2024)
“I’m not convinced that I would get the maximum experience by watching these films individually. However, the focus in the cinema lead the viewer into enchantment; it brings South Estonia to the viewer. The sensitively composed sequence and the skillfully drawn interludes contribute to this whole.”
A collection that will be preserved forever for ECoC Tartu
Andrei Liimets, Eesti Ekspress (May 19, 2024)
“The collection as a whole is very successful and will remain in cultural memory longer and more significantly than many other much more artificially stitched-together compilations. Like the smoke sauna and vulnerability in Anna Hints’ ‘Smokesauna Sisterhood’, where the specific themes also become universal, the small becomes large, and through individual images, the history and present of an entire nation are revealed. Southern Estonia is worth visiting this year and forward. This European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 cassette will be one of the important record of who we are, where we come from, and where we are headed.”
“Arts of Survival” brings a breath of fresh southern air into the lungs
Johannes Lõhmus, Eesti Päevaleht (May 14, 2024)
“The films in the short film collection “Arts of Survival” value curiosity, courage, creative mastery, exploration, everyday fantasies, community celebration, reflection on the past, and the recognition of the uniqueness of the present.”
“Arts of Survival” provides a comprehensive view of Estonia in 2024
Tõnu Karjatse, ERR (May 8, 2024)
“The significance of “Arts of Survival” lies in the fact that there has never before been an opportunity to map any region in Estonia in such a kaleidoscopic way through film. At the same time, it provides a comprehensive view of Estonian society in 2024, serving as a welcome addition to Estonian stories, especially considering the inclusion of perspectives from directors coming from outside the country.”
The expedition to the mysterious Southern Estonia brought eight films
Hendrik Alla, Postimees (May 7, 2024)
“The great advantage of any film collection is that it’s like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates: you never know what the next story will delight you with.”
The potential of “Arts of Survival” will be revealed in the future
Kaspar Viilup, ERR (May 6, 2024)
“Eight different authors map the life of Southern Estonia’s past, present, and future. The messages are not too grand; rather, on the contrary, they do not fill the lungs boastfully with helium to rise towards the clouds, but all creators keep themselves rather close to the ground.”