The nominees for the Estonian Film and Television Awards 2025

On March 17, the nominees for the Estonian Film and Television Awards 2025 were revealed. The grand EFTA gala will take place on April 11, where the best Estonian filmmakers and television creators will be honored. A total of 31 awards will be presented—16 in film categories and 15 in television categories.

We are pleased to announce that films co-financed by Tartu Film Fund are represented in 14 categories.

A total of five films supported by Tartu Film Fund have been nominated:

Biwa järve 8 nägu / 8 Views of Lake Biwa – 12 categories
Elu ja Armastus – 7 categories
Vari – 4 categories
Varaküps – 2 categories
Pimeala – 1 category

Filming Wraps on Ove Musting’s Second Feature Film “Seatapp”

The production of Ove Musting’s second full-length feature film, “Seatapp”, has officially wrapped in Southern Estonia! This tragicomic story, seasoned with dark humor, delves into the decline of rural life and fading traditions, featuring absurd situations—all inspired by real-life events from Estonia itself.

“Southern Estonia is undeniably a hidden gem,” says the film’s director and screenwriter, Ove Musting, who hails from the region. “The landscapes here offer a variety of views that are hard to find elsewhere. During location scouting, we discovered incredible places and even more incredible people, who in turn inspired and enriched Seatapp’s story. Right before shooting, we even added details to the script—details so unbelievable that any rational person would say, this couldn’t have really happened!”

“This is likely the only feature film that portrays life outside Estonia’s capital in such a raw, humorous, and honest way. In fact, Seatapp may also be the last film where we see animals and people working side by side like this. This world is disappearing, and just a few years later, filming Seatapp wouldn’t have been possible anymore.”

Producer Jaan Laugamõts describes the film as the last breathtaking glimpse of a vanishing way of life. “The mix of brilliant and painfully absurd humor in this film will make audiences laugh, cry, and reflect on what else might disappear along with our deeply rooted culture, which is ingrained in our genes.”

Filming Locations & Challenges

The production took place across Estonia, including Siimika village (Lääne-Harju), Tartu, and several locations in Southern Estonia: Valgjärve, Põlva, Võrumaa, and Tsooru.

“The filming period was as challenging as expected,” recalls producer Jaan Laugamõts. “Shooting in winter comes with its own set of difficulties—constant cold and limited daylight make everything more complicated. Adding in large numbers of animals and people creates an extraordinarily complex setting, where every crew member played a crucial role in making it all work. I am endlessly grateful to everyone involved in this film—you are the kind of people I’d go on a secret mission with any day!”

Cast & Premiere

The film features Aleksandr Bražnik, Taavi Teplenkov, Egon Nuter, Külliki Saldre, Hendrik Toompere Jr., Andres Mähar, Mari Jürjens, Argo Aadli, and more.

Coming to cinemas in Fall 2026!