SMOKE SAUNA SISTERHOOD
In-Person Screening: Sunday, November 12, 7:00 pm
Director Anna Hints will present a Q&A following the screening.
Virtual Cinema Screenings: November 13-19
SMOKE SAUNA SISTERHOOD (Savvusanna sõsarad)
Anna Hints, Estonia/France/Iceland, 2023
89 minutes. In Estonian, Seto, Võro with English subtitles
Smoke Sauna Sisterhood is a poignant documentary by Anna Hints that intimately delves into the cultural tradition of Vana-Võromaa's smoke saunas in South Estonia (which are included in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list) and how they are unique spaces for healing and community. The film draws inspiration from their historical role in childbirth, where women gather to share secrets, connecting family and friends to cleanse the body and – more importantly – the soul inside a place of peace of contemplation.
This documentary, which won an award for directing at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival (the first Estonian film to do so), captures the essence of the smoke sauna experience with masterful cinematography, evoking Vermeer and Rembrandt. Hints authentically portrays women, delving into themes of trauma, healing, and sisterhood. The film concludes with a runic verse, "Thank You Song for Smoke Sauna," performed by director Anna Hints and producer Marianne Ostrat, expressing gratitude to the spirit of the smoke sauna, the women in the film, and all those who contributed to bringing Smoke Sauna Sisterhood to life. The film has been selected as Estonia’s contender for next year’s Academy Awards.
Festival History
Sundance Film Festival 2023 (Winner - World Cinema Documentary: Directing Award)
Sheffield Doc/Fest 2023
CPH:DOX 2023
HotDocs 2023
Director bio:
Anna Hints is an Estonian film director with a background in contemporary art and experimental folk music. As an active dumpster diver, Hints’ short documentary For Tomorrow Paradise Arrives (2021) initiated public discussion and growth of new grassroot movements against food waste in Estonia. Her first feature documentary Smoke Sauna Sisterhood premiered at Sundance Film Festival World Cinema Documentary Competition program in January 2023 where she won the award for Best Director. The film’s European Premiere was at CPH:DOX where it competed for the NEXT: WAVE AWARD. Hints is currently pursuing a master’s degree at the Department of Drama of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre.