The Film Academy of Integration Foundation’s Estonian Language House located in Narva welcomes people learning the Estonian language to help them gain knowledge in the field of cinematography, learn acting, and practice Estonian. The deadline for applications is 18 March and the studies will begin on 27 March. The project will end with the shooting of a short film entitled Valik (Choice).
‘Our goal is to create and sustain an environment that supports people practising the Estonian language in the Ida-Viru County,’ said Anna Farafonova, the head of the Estonian Language House in Narva. ‘The acting school is an opportunity for those who want to develop their creative side and practice Estonian. Participating in workshops, learning the art of acting, interacting with each other, and finally showing one’s skills on the film stage help people to expand their social network and overcome the language barrier, allowing them to feel much more confident.’
The film school meetings will take place every Sunday from 27 March to 29 May at 12–3 p.m. in Narva. One session is three hours. The film school is intended for adults and a B1+ Estonian language proficiency is recommended for participation.
Exercises in acting, speech, and psychotechnics are performed at each meeting. Among other things, the participants can improve their Estonian language skills, gain new knowledge about cinematography, practice self-expression, and meet both the people of Narva and film professionals.
In addition to acting, the Film Academy of the Estonian Language House in Narva also teaches screenwriting and film production. The lecturers are professionals who have proven themselves in the Estonian theatre and film world.
Julia Viirsalu, project manager and Estonian teacher at the Estonian Language Academy in Narva: ‘For a long time now, the Estonian Language House has offered more than standard and traditional language courses, arousing people’s interest in learning the Estonian language and getting acquainted with our culture. The concept of an acting school does not necessary mean that we will start training future actors. Instead, it allows you to understand the meaning of acting, to meet interesting people whose lives are intertwined with cinema and theatre, and to try to discover new aspects of yourself with the help of outstanding Estonian teachers and mentors.’
To enter the film school, please fill in a form by March 18 at the latest. The number of places available for participants is limited to sixty.
All graduates will receive a certificate and the ten best will be able to play in the short film Choice, which will premiere this autumn.
The short film Choice is about a young border guard who has to choose between love or the law. The film will be shot with the help of local filmmakers Sofia Kostenkova and Jelena Pazilina. All actors in the film will be selected from the students of the film school. The film will be made in cooperation with the Viru Film Fund.
