SMOKE SAUNA SISTERHOOD | SAVVUSANNA SÕSARAD

ESTONIA, FRANCE, ICELAND | 2023 | COLOR | DCP | 89’ | ESTONIAN, SETO, VÕRO

An anonymous sisterhood comes together regularly in a traditional sauna, located somewhere deep in the magical Estonian forest. Their discussions flow, while the seasons change and the local customs find their way in the narratives. ‘Smoke Sauna Sisterhood’ etches its own map on the bodies and souls of the women, starting painlessly with loves and pursuits, leading, however, to unexpected crescendi of sexual abuse. The ethnographic interludes between the misty confessions, when the women swim in the icy cold waters and are left to nature’s embrace like modern fairies, suggest a respite from today’s patriarchal nightmare and allow us to dream of a different world. Directing Award for a World Cinema Documentary in Sundance, and the Estonian selection for the next Oscars. D.P.

DIRECTOR: Anna Hints
SCREENWRITER: Anna Hints
DoP: Ants Tammik
MUSIC: Edvard Egilsson, EETER
EDITORS: Qutaiba Barhamji, Anna Hints, Hendrik Mägar, Martin Männik, Tushar Prakash

ANNA HINTS
Estonian film director with a background in contemporary art and experimental folk music. Having deep roots in the distinct culture of South Estonia, Anna’s second home is in India. This is Anna’s debut feature documentary.

FILMOGRAPHY
2023 Smoke Sauna Sisterhood