Ida-Viru Ettevõtluskeskus

piirkondlik arengumootor

IDA-VIRU SPECIAL SCREENINGS 2026

PROGRAMME

22.09.2026 18.30, Apollo Kino

Documentary “Epp Maria. A Life in Paintings”

subtitles: ENG

FREE ENTRANCE!

The film invites viewers into the world created by artist Epp Maria Kokamägi at Sepamaa Farm — a place that is picturesque and almost fairytale-like, yet entirely real, where life away from the hustle and bustle of the city follows the rhythms of nature.

Alongside Epp Maria, this world is home to her exceptionally skilled husband, Jaak Arro, and their children: gallerist and ceramic artist Liisu Arro, beloved cookbook author and café owner Anni Arro, and cinematographer and photographer Johannes Arro, together with their families and pets. Together, they resemble one colourful Italian family that has put down roots among the seaside junipers of Tõstamaa, each sharing beauty and the joy of life in their own way through their creative work.

The film is directed by Anu Aun and produced by Maie Rosmann. The cinematographers are Heiko Sikka and Johannes Arro, the editor is Mirjam Jegorov, the sound designer is Indrek Soe, and the composer is Mick Pedaja.

Previous works by the same creative team include the films Walker on Water (Vetelkõndija) and Eia’s Christmas at Phantom Owl Farm (Eia jõulud Tondikakul).

The film was supported by the Estonian Film Institute, the Cultural Endowment of Estonia, and Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR). The project partners are Rahva Raamat, Schloss Fellin, Arro Porcelain, and Hooaeg x Anni Kohvik.

 

06.10.2026 18.30, Apollo Kino

Feature Film, Comedy “Seatapp”, 2026

subtitles: ENG

FREE ENTRANCE!

On the day before Christmas, the Veterinary Authority receives a positive result from the first test (sample A) taken from a wild boar shot by a hunter. A senior official sends a young and inexperienced veterinary officer to investigate the village under observation. Afraid of failing, however, the young officer immediately springs into action.

He orders an animal disposal unit to be prepared and begins making the rounds of farms in what was once his home village. At the first farm he comes across in the village of Kiuma live Ants and Minna, an elderly, childless couple. For them, their farm animals have come to fill the place of the children and loved ones they never had. With Christmas approaching, relatives are also due to arrive for their obligatory holiday visit.

When the veterinary officer arrives at the farm, he gives Ants a choice: either have the animals disposed of or, while they are still healthy, slaughter them for the family’s own consumption. In desperation, Ants calls Bratoslav, a Ukrainian, and asks him to come and help slaughter the pigs. Bratoslav is a veterinarian from Ukraine, but his qualifications are not recognised in the European Union and he does not have a work permit. Nevertheless, the villagers know him as a veterinarian and as an exceptionally skilled and efficient pig slaughterer — someone they can always rely on.

Soon, in addition to Ants’s request for help, Bratoslav begins receiving calls from other villagers as well. Meanwhile, the overzealous veterinary officer finds what he considers evidence matching the signs of the disease at one of the farms and declares both that farm and all the surrounding farms to be infection sites. He arranges for an incinerator to be brought in from the city to dispose of the animals.

At the same time, Ants’s nephews arrive with their wives and children for their annual obligatory Christmas visit. Their plan is to quickly hand over the presents and head back home to the city. But Ants tells them about the situation with his animals, and suddenly the relatives are needed to help slaughter the pigs.

You are very welcome to come and enjoy great Estonian films!

See you there!

SPONSORS:

CONTACT:

Evelin Saarmets

Film Industry Incubation Programme Manager
Viru Film Fund Coordinator

evelin.saarmets@ivek.ee
+372 520 1445

Tehnopol is looking for solutions that bring technology and creativity together!

This could be an idea related to AI, video, audio, music, media, content creation, gaming, entertainment, advertising or another creative field. While the programme focuses on the film industry, the accelerator is also open to solutions where technology helps shape the future of the wider creative industries.

The IDA Hub acceleration program gives you the knowledge and tools to turn your solution into a viable company, reach paying customers faster, and get closer to securing investment.

During the 6-month program, you will:

  • Work with an experienced lead mentor who will support and guide your company’s growth
  • Gain a strong foundation through a 7-part practical training series
  • Receive expert support in the areas where you have the most questions
  • Join a supportive community and get invitations to exciting events
  • Pitch to investors when you are ready
  • Use our open office space in Tallinn or IDA Hub

To join, we expect that your solution:

  • Brings innovation to the film and multimedia sector
  • Has at least an MVP or prototype
  • Has a committed team
  • Has a scalable business model with growth potential

Learn more and apply: https://www.tehnopol.ee/en/accelerator/film-and-multimedia-accelerator/

Applications are open until October 18.

33 women applied for the Creative Patterns 40+ development programme.

Interest in the programme was high – 33 women from Ida-Viru County applied to participate.

A total of 20 participants will be selected for the programme.

We would like to thank everyone who showed interest in the programme and submitted an application!

Creative Patterns 40+ is a development programme lasting more than a year, aimed at women over the age of 40 from Ida-Viru County who want to develop their creative activities or businesses. The programme focuses on practical skills, including the use of digital tools, product development, marketing, pricing and entrepreneurship. Participants will also explore how regional cultural heritage can be used to create new products and ideas.

 

What happens next?

As there are more applicants than places available, 20 participants will be selected from the 33 candidates. At the end of this week and the beginning of next week, we will contact all applicants individually to learn more about their current activities, ideas and expectations for the programme.

Following these conversations, the project team will review the applications and the information gathered and select the 20 participants. All applicants will be personally informed of the results by the end of next week.

 

A practical and international programme lies ahead

Creative Patterns 40+ will run from September 2026 to October 2027. The programme includes six practical workshops, a two-day Training Camp, study visits in Estonia and Latvia, individual mentoring, and opportunities to exchange experiences with creative entrepreneurs.

The training sessions will cover the use of digital tools, regional cultural heritage, product and service development, the creation of marketing materials, financial management and pricing, as well as entrepreneurial skills.

Cooperation between participants from Estonia and Latvia is also an important part of the programme. Joint training sessions and study visits will provide opportunities to exchange experiences, make new contacts, and gain new ideas for developing participants’ products, services or businesses.

projektijuht

Küllike Kullerkupp

INTERREG "Creative Patterns" (CB0900712) projektijuht

Language of consultation
Est
Eng

IDA-VIRU NIGHT CINEMA 2026

New screening time in Narva-Jõesuu: 05 September at 9:00 PM (instead of 22 August).

New screening time in Narva-Jõesuu: 26 August at 9:00 PM (instead of 13 August).

We are delighted to announce that in 2026, ÖÖKINO will return to Ida-Virumaa for its fifth consecutive summer! From 28 July to 30 August, ÖÖKINO will travel across the county, bringing open-air cinema to both familiar favourite venues and exciting new locations.

 

This year’s film programme is primarily dedicated to Estonian cinema, featuring a carefully curated selection of beloved classics alongside inspiring contemporary films.

The programme brings together stories that reflect different generations, values, and life experiences. On one hand, classic films introduce audiences to the golden heritage of Estonian cinema and evoke a sense of nostalgia and recognition. On the other, recent feature films and documentaries offer fresh perspectives on modern society, the people around us, and our shared cultural landscape.

The selection includes comedies, dramas, inspiring true stories, and films about Estonian people and their lives. One of the key principles in curating the programme was to ensure that the films would appeal to audiences of all ages, creating memorable cinematic experiences for the whole family.

Special attention has been given to Estonian stories and filmmakers. Many of the selected films have been produced in recent years, showcasing the ongoing development of Estonian cinema, while timeless classics help preserve and celebrate our rich cultural heritage.

We hope these summer cinema evenings will offer more than just great films—they will also provide an opportunity to meet, spend quality time together, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of watching Estonian cinema under the open sky.

Each screening will be preceded by our traditional film quiz, featuring small symbolic prizes for participants. We sincerely hope that everyone will find something in the programme to enjoy and take home unforgettable memories.

Bring your family and friends, dress for the weather, pack your good mood, and join us for warm summer evenings filled with wonderful films under the stars!

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

🕗 The venue opens at 8:00 PM. A DJ will be playing before the screening, and you can take part in a movie quiz with prizes for the best participants.

☕ A pop-up café will be available on-site.
🌤️ This is an outdoor screening.
🎟️ Admission is free, but a free ticket via Fienta or on-site registration is required.
🤝 If you experience any issues with obtaining your ticket, please arrive a little earlier and our team will be happy to assist you.

🪑 If possible, please bring your own chair, a blanket, weather-appropriate clothing, and a good mood.

🎬 The film will be screened in Estonian with Russian and English subtitles.

Supported by the Swiss contribution to reducing economic and social disparities in the EU

Ida-Viru Enterprise Centre and Viru Film Fund present

NIGHT CINEMA PROGRAMME

28.07 21.00

Sillamäe, stairs at Mere pst

Drama: A Lady in Paris (2012)

Subtitles: RUS/ENG

FREE ADMISSION!

A warm and thoughtful drama about a woman who unexpectedly gets the chance to begin a new life in Paris. Anne starts working for Frida, a sophisticated yet difficult lady of high society, and their meeting becomes a story about loneliness, freedom, connection, and new beginnings. A Lady in Paris is a sensitive and elegant film about life-changing moments that are never too late to embrace.

30.07 21.00

NARVA-JÕESUU (Lighthouse Area)

Film Classic: Men Don’t Cry (1968)

Subtitles: RUS/ENG

FREE ADMISSION!

A beloved Estonian film classic that still brings laughter and recognition today. A group of men suffering from insomnia are sent to a remote island as part of an experiment, but it soon becomes clear that the situation is anything but peaceful. Mehed ei nuta is a witty and timeless comedy where absurd situations, colourful characters, and outrageous escape attempts keep the audience entertained from beginning to end.

06.08 21.00

KAUKSI BEACH HOUSE

Feature Film: Summer Vacationers (2023)

Subtitles: ENG

FREE ADMISSION!

Summer Vacationers is a summer comedy full of genuine passion, infectious humour, and colourful characters, based on Juhan Smuul’s story of the same name. Set against the beautiful landscapes of Muhu Island, fisherman Ärni’s peaceful life is turned upside down when vacationers arrive at his farm, bringing along vanity, hidden tensions, and a fair share of chaos. It is a lively, entertaining, and highly relatable story about contrasting personalities, summer passions, and pre-midsummer confusion.

13.08 21.00

Sillamäe, stairs at Mere pst

Our Erika (2026) (NB! The film has been changed)

Subtitles: RUS/ENG

FREE ADMISSION!

Meie Erika is an inspiring and emotional story about Erika Salumäe’s journey from an orphanage girl to an Olympic champion. The film brings one of the most powerful stories in Estonian sports to the screen, showing the price that dreams can sometimes demand. It is a compelling story of determination, inner strength, and the courage to keep moving forward even when the road to the top seems impossible.

05.09 21.00

KIVIÕLI CENTRAL SQUARE

Feature Film: Our Erika (2026)

Subtitles: RUS/ENG

FREE ADMISSION!

Our Erika is an inspiring and emotional story about Erika Salumäe’s journey from an orphanage girl to an Olympic champion. The film brings one of the most powerful stories in Estonian sports to the screen, showing the price that dreams can sometimes demand. It is a compelling story of determination, inner strength, and the courage to keep moving forward even when the road to the top seems impossible.

22.08 21.00

TOILA (SONG FESTIVAL GROUNDS SQUARE)

ENG Attention! Due to the approaching storm, the event has been cancelled.

Feature Film: New Money (2025)

Subtitles: ENG

FREE ADMISSION!

Uus raha is a witty and entertaining comedy about sudden wealth and what big money really does to people. When Taavi and Liisa wake up one morning to find 50 million euros in their bank account, their lives change in an instant. It is a sharp and humorous story about choices, temptation, and whether money changes a person or simply reveals who they truly are.

NB!
🕗 The area is open from 8:00 PM.
8:00–9:00 PM — films from the Koolifilm International Youth Film Camp and an introduction to the camp.
The film camp takes place from 16 to 23 August in Kohtla-Nõmme and Rannapungerja. The challenge for the young filmmakers was to create short films in international teams at the Mining Museum — and complete them in just one week! The young authors will also introduce their films themselves.
The film camp was organised by Kinomaja Filmikool with the support of Jõhvi Municipality and Canon Overall Eesti AS.
9:00 PM — film quiz and film screening. Prizes for the best participants.

26.08 21.00

NARVA-JÕESUU (LIGHTHOUSE AREA)

Feature Film: The Tower (2024)

Subtitles: RUS/ENG

FREE ADMISSION!

The Tower is a moving and distinctive drama about a lonely man who has spent decades building a tower, as if hoping to see and be seen. When Kalju receives an unexpected call from his daughter and learns that he has become a grandfather, he is forced for the first time to truly confront his past. It is a sensitive and profound story about loneliness, longing, forgiveness, and the possibility of starting over.

27.08 21.00

KOHTLA-JÄRVE CULTURAL CENTRE

Documentary: On Silver Heels (2026)

Subtitles: RUS/ENG

FREE ADMISSION!

On Silver Heels is a powerful and inspiring documentary about women determined to revive the Estonian women’s national ice hockey team. From the very beginning, their journey is full of obstacles — different skill levels, language barriers, age gaps, and a complete lack of financial support. It is a compelling story of determination, teamwork, and the dream of reaching the World Championships.

You are warmly invited to enjoy great Estonian films!

See you there!

TOETAJAD:

KONTAKT:

 

Evelin Saarmets

Manager of the Film Industry Incubation Programme

Viru Film Fund Coordinator

PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS FOR PARTNERS

At the Creative Industries Focus Day, the women who experienced a creative bloom truly shone.

On September 23, 2025, the Toila Sea Restaurant hosted an inspiring and joy-filled Creative Industries Focus Day, which marked the grand finale of the mentor programme “Creative Bloom” carried out in Ida-Viru County.
The day became a heartfelt and festive conclusion to an 18-month journey that helped dozens of women turn their creative ideas into viable businesses.

Project story and purpose

The mentor programme “Creative Bloom” (CB0500277) was implemented under the European Union’s INTERREG Central Baltic Programme 2021–2027, co-financed by the Ministry of Culture and the British Council.

In Estonia, the programme was coordinated by the Ida-Viru Entrepreneurship Centre Foundation as the lead partner, with Vidzeme Planning Region (Latvia) as a project partner.

The programme ran for 18 months (May 2024 – October 2025), with a total budget of €213,398, of which 80% was financed by the European Union and 20% came from self-financing sources.

Creative Bloom was a cross-border project, where groups of creative women in both Estonia and Latvia participated simultaneously, with the shared goal of developing the creative industries in their respective regions.

The programme aimed to strengthen women’s entrepreneurship in Ida-Viru County, increase the role of creative industries in the regional economy, promote cross-border cooperation with Latvian partners, and enhance the competitiveness of the local creative sector.

Women-to-women mentorship and growth

Sixteen women aged 40+ from Ida-Viru County were selected for the mentor programme. All were already engaged in some form of creative activity — be it handicrafts, design, art, music, or other creative services — and were ready to take the next step from hobby to entrepreneurship.
A total of 15 participants successfully completed the programme.

They were supported by six experienced mentors who shared their knowledge, experience, and inspiration:

  • Kadri Kuusmik (CEO, Virumaa Cooperation Network MTÜ)

  • Dina Aller (designer and trainer, DINAALLER OÜ)

  • Eveli Tooming (board member and CEO, E.Strauss OÜ, Avinurme Puiduait)

  • Ele-Riin Kullamäe Golovin (marketing expert and real estate manager, Gleneia OÜ)

  • Julia Volkova (board member and CEO, Honey Wolf OÜ)

  • Ülle Lipsmäe (board member and practitioner with outstanding sewing skills, Hõbeniit OÜ)

The mentors were chosen for their diverse backgrounds and business experience, providing participants with broad-based support and practical knowledge.

Learning, collaboration, and inspiration

Throughout the programme, there were six mentoring club meetings, two two-day training sessions (on product and service development), study visits in both countries (Estonia and Latvia), and a final event – the Creative Industries Focus Day.
Topics covered during discussions and workshops ranged from entrepreneurship and design to marketing, circular economy, and social media content creation.

Most meetings took place in and around Jõhvi, but cross-border cooperation played a crucial role. Participants from both Estonia and Latvia exchanged experiences via online meetings and study visits, learning from each other and gaining new inspiration.

One of the programme’s requirements was that participants would establish their own business or NGO by the end of the project and actively participate in at least 80% of events.
This discipline and commitment led to visible results – new businesses were born, and cooperation networks emerged within the region.

Results – confident and radiant creative entrepreneurs

Feedback from participants was unanimous: the programme boosted confidence, provided new knowledge and contacts, and encouraged bold steps that once seemed too daunting.
New partnerships, ideas, and initiatives have blossomed — a true creative bloom has taken place.

“We gained motivation, positivity, and faith in ourselves.
This programme brought smiles to our faces and inspired us to act on a larger and more visible scale than ever before,”
summarized one of the participants.

A flourishing beginning of a new chapter

Creative Bloom showed how much potential lies within the women of Ida-Viru County’s creative industries — in their ideas, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial spirit.
During the Creative Industries Focus Day, it became clear that the project has resulted in more active women entrepreneurs, a stronger creative community, and a firm belief that every good idea can come to life.

At the programme’s final meeting in Toila, it was evident that all participants had made remarkable progress, moving forward with sparkling eyes and renewed energy.
This marks a new beginning, full of creative power and determination to grow into successful creative entrepreneurs.

And as the participants themselves said:

“This is just the beginning. The creative bloom has happened, and we are already looking forward to the next project!”

See the photo gallery from the Focus Day here
Photographer: Nadežda Morozova

Join the Creative Cluster Newsletter!

IDA-VIRU NIGHT CINEMA 2025

 

Due to rain, the session 29.08 in SILLAMÄE is cancelled. The new date is 06.09.

 

August is the month of NIGHT CINEMA!

We are delighted to announce that in 2025, Night Cinema will return to Ida-Virumaa for the fourth summer in a row!
From August 8 to 29, Night Cinema will travel across the county, visiting both familiar and new locations. This year, we will begin in the park of Mäetaguse Manor, then continue to Ahtme Central Square in Kohtla-Järve, the lighthouse area in Narva-Jõesuu, Kiviõli Central Square, and finally conclude the program on the steps of Mere Boulevard in Sillamäe.

This year’s film evenings will focus mainly on Estonian films, with a special emphasis on water-themed stories — after all, Ida-Virumaa lies between three bodies of water.
Of course, we’re also proud of the achievements of our southern neighbors and will be screening the animated film “Flowing On” on two evenings — the first to bring them both a Golden Globe and an Oscar in the animation category.

In addition, the program will pay tribute to sports, as Tallinn is the European Capital of Sport 2025.
We’ll be screening the brand-new documentary “Anett”, about the life of Estonian tennis star Anett Kontaveit.
For fans of classic cinema, we’ve included the legendary sports drama “Playful Curves”, directed by Kaljo Kiisk, who hails from Ida-Virumaa.

Alongside the classics, we’ve added one of the most significant new-generation Estonian films of 2024 — the moving drama “Fränk” by Tõnis Pill, which has already attracted over 100,000 viewers and sparked important conversations about painful yet vital issues in our society.

We warmly invite all film lovers to join us again — let’s enjoy films together on the magical summer nights of Ida-Virumaa!
Each screening will be preceded by a traditional quiz with symbolic prizes.

We truly hope everyone finds something in the program that speaks to them.


Bring your family and friends, wear clothes suitable for the weather, and come with a good mood — let’s enjoy these atmospheric evenings under the open sky!

Important! Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring a good mood!

The films will be in Estonian with English and/or Russian subtitles.

All screenings are free of charge.

A pop-up café will be available!

The Viru FilmFund presents

NIGHT SCREENING PROGRAM IN IDA-VIRUMAA

ALUTAGUSE (Mäetaguse Manor Park)

  • 08 Aug, 22:00 — “Anett”
    (Documentary, subtitles: ENG)

  • 09 Aug, 22:00 — “The Shadow” (Vari)
    (Feature film, subtitles: ENG/RUS)

 

KOHTLA-JÄRVE (Ahtme Central Square)

  • 19 Aug, 21:30 — “Fränk”
    (Feature film, subtitles: ENG/RUS)

NARVA-JÕESUU (Near the Lighthouse)

  • 21 Aug, 21:30 — “With the Flow” (Vooluga kaasa)
    (Animation)

  • 22 Aug, 21:30 — “On the Water” (Vee peal)
    (Feature film, subtitles: RUS/ENG)

 

KIVIÕLI (Central Square)

  • 27 Aug, 21:00 — “With the Flow” (Vooluga kaasa)
    (Animation)

SILLAMÄE (Stairs on Mere Street)

  • 28 Aug, 21:00 — “Playful Curves” (Vallatud Kurvid)
    (Film classic, feature film, subtitles: RUS)

  • 06 Sep, 21:00 — “On the Water” (Vee peal)
    (Feature film, subtitles: RUS/ENG)

All screenings are in Estonian, with Russian and English subtitles where indicated.
Free entry — everyone is welcome!

We’ll be happy to see you at the screenings of the best films from Estonia and Europe!

See you there!

Fair transition support measures