by Anna Hints
In a hidden sauna in Estonia, surrounded by hot smoke and the silence of the forest, a group of women literally drop their clothes. They share their innermost secrets and intimate experiences, broach taboo topics and show themselves from their most vulnerable side. It quickly becomes clear what unites them: they all want to regain their strength and self-confidence. In the steam of the cosy sauna, the women lose all shame and unite in realising what self-love really means. Director Anna Hints' documentary offers us a touching insight into an intimate cleansing ritual, female friendships and connection. SMOKE SAUNA SISTERHOOD is Estonia's entry for the Oscar for Best International Film.
Estonian Anna Hints has worked in various fields of contemporary art and is now a director, screenwriter and composer. Her great interest in Estonian culture invariably finds its way into her films. She draws attention to the problem of food waste in Estonia in FOR TOMORROW PARADISE ARRIVES, and highlights one of her country's more idiosyncratic traditions in her new documentary SMOKE SAUNA SISTERHOOD. 2023 SMOKE SAUNA SISTERHOOD 2021 FOR TOMORROW PARADISE ARRIVES 2018 JUURED 2018 ICE 2014 ÕNNE MANIFEST 2012 SEIN 2012 VABA MAA