01-02-2008

Several trends key to success for Estonian film industry

By FNE Staff

    Several trends in Estonian cinema emerged during 2007 that led to a record-breaking year, the Estonian Film Foundation said on Friday (Feb. 1).

    First, the filmmakers are younger than before and their films are fresher. Most of the feature films made in 2007 were either debuts or second features for the directors.

    The genres and subject matter of the films were also very diverse, accounting for the large number of viewers from a wide variety of different social groups.

    Thirdly, in the spring of 2008, the first group of Masters in Film Arts will graduate from the Baltic Film and Media School, bringing even more fresh blood into the industries of all three Baltic Countries.

    Estonian films accounted for 14.3% of total cinema admissions in 2007, the highest domestic market share in history. The industry also recorded records for total admissions and total box office.