Categories
General News Movies NSW VIC

Estonia on screen: Two films at the European film festival in Sydney and Melbourne

Two films with strong Estonian connections – The Swedish Torpedo and Quiet Life – are part of this year’s Europa! Europa Film Festival, an annual celebration of Europe’s finest cinema. The festival, running from 12 February to 12 March 2025, offers audiences in Sydney and Melbourne the chance to experience a diverse lineup of 44 films from 26 countries, including Estonia.

Bringing together a carefully curated selection of visually stunning and thought-provoking films, the festival offers a glimpse into the richness of European storytelling. This year’s program promises to take audiences on a cinematic journey across the continent, with plenty of unforgettable moments along the way. It’s a great opportunity to catch these compelling films while also supporting the Estonian cinema and its talented creators.

Here, we shine a spotlight on the two films with Estonian connections.

“The Swedish Torpedo”
Source: https://www.europafilmfestival.com.au.
The Swedish Torpedo

Estonian title: Rootsi torpeedo
Director: Frida Kempff
Country: Sweden, Estonia, Belgium, Finland
Year: 2024
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 1 hr 20 min
Trailer: https://www.efis.ee/film/21542#gallery-trailers

Southern Sweden, summer of 1939. With World War II looming, 30-year-old single mother Sally Bauer cannot resist the call of the sea. Determined to become the first Scandinavian to swim the English Channel, she faces immense societal pressure and disapproval from her family, who even threaten to take her son away. Undeterred, Sally embarks on a record-breaking journey, pushing the limits of human endurance.

Based on a true story, The Swedish Torpedo is an inspiring biographical drama about perseverance and defying societal expectations. Swedish actress Josefin Neldén (Border) delivers a powerful performance as Sally, portraying her with resilience and determination.

estonian CONNECTIONS
  • Key scenes were filmed in Estonia, including at Toila beach, Ida-Viru County.
  • The international cast features actors from Estonia, Denmark, Sweden and Finland.
  • The movie received financial support from the Estonian Viru Film Fund.

“Quiet Life”
Source: https://www.europafilmfestival.com.au.
Quiet Life

Estonian title: Apaatia
Director: Alexandros Avranas
Country: Greece, Sweden, France, Estonia, Germany, Finland
Year: 2024
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 1 hr 39 min
Trailer: https://www.efis.ee/film/21526#gallery-trailers

Inspired by real events, Quiet Life is a chilling and emotionally charged drama that exposes the failures of bureaucratic systems meant to support the vulnerable.

Set in Sweden, the film follows Russian teachers Sergei and Natalia, who flee their home country with their daughters, hoping for asylum. When their application is rejected, their youngest daughter inexplicably falls into a coma, a mysterious syndrome that has been affecting refugee children. As they fight for their family’s survival, Sergei and Natalia must navigate an agonising moral dilemma.

estonian connections
  • Much of the film was shot in various locations across Estonia.
  • Several Estonian actors and crew members were involved, including young talents Naomi Lamp and Mira Pashutina.
  • The production received support from the Estonian Film Institute, the Estonian Cultural Foundation and Film Estonia.
Screenings in Melbourne

In Melbourne, screenings will take place at Classic Cinemas and Lido Cinemas. For tickets, visit the official festival website linked below. Ticket prices range from $21-26, film passes available.

Classic Cinemas
9 Gordon St, Elsternwick
(03) 9524 7900
classiccinemas.com.au

Lido Cinemas
675 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn
(03) 8658 0000
lidocinemas.com.au

“The Swedish Torpedo”

MELBOURNE (CLASSIC CINEMAS)
Wed 5 Mar 6:30pm
Sun 9 Mar 6:30pm

MELBOURNE (LIDO CINEMAS)
Sun 16 Feb 4:10pm
Sat 1 Mar 6:20pm

“Quiet Life”

MELBOURNE (CLASSIC CINEMAS)
Sun 23 Feb 6:30pm

MELBOURNE (LIDO CINEMAS)
Wed 5 Mar 6:30pm
Sun 9 Mar 2:10pm

Screenings in Sydney

In Sydney, screenings will take place at the Ritz Cinemas in Sydney, 45 St Pauls Street, Randwick, ritzcinemas.com.au. For tickets, visit the official festival website linked below. Ticket prices range from $21-26, film passes available.

“The Swedish Torpedo”

SYDNEY (RITZ CINEMAS)
Tue 4 Mar 6:20pm
Sun 9 Mar 6:00pm
Tue 11 Mar 6:30pm

“Quiet Life”

SYDNEY (RITZ CINEMAS)
Sat 22 Feb 2:30pm
Sun 9 Mar 12:10pm

Read more

Learn more about films screening at the festival.

Explore the full festival program.

Read about the filming of the Swedish Torpedo in Estonia.

Read in Estonian, about the filming of the Quiet Life.

Read in Estonian, details on Quiet Life and The Swedish Torpedo in the Estonian Film Database.