This comes as a major moral boost at a time when state subsidy for production will continues at the reduced 2010 level. In addition, the share of domestic films has hovered just above 2% for the last two years. Several features premiering in 2011 were initally scheduled for 2010 but had to be delayed due to public funding cuts.
The first two releases prompted cautious optimism, with A Friend of Mine by Mart Kivastik picking up nearly 6,000 amdmissions in its first two weeks.
Some cause for worry is the release schedule, with six of the films being released in the first half of the year and potentially damaging each others' box office prospects. Four debut films on the list will be screened in Berlin, still looking for best festival slots.
Premiers by Estonian directors, 2011
- A Friend of Mine (Üks mu sõber) by Mart Kivastik. Premier date: January 8.
- Letters to Angel (Kirjad Inglile) by Sulev Keedus. Premier date: January 27.
- Graveyar'd Keeper's Daughter (Surnuaiavahi tütar) by Katrin Laur. Premier date February 23.
- Rat-trap (Rotilõks) by Andres Puustusmaa. Premier date: March 3.
- Farts of Fury (Kormoranid ehk nahkpükse ei pesta) by Andres Maimik, Rain Tolk. Premier date: March 17.
- Lotte and the Moonstone Secret (Lotte ja kuukivi saladus, animation) by Heiki Ernits, Janno Põldma. Premier date: May.
- The Idiot (Idioot) by Rainer Sarnet. Premier date: Autumn.
Source: Estonian Film Foundation
