Estonia
Fresh blood. Film director. Cinephile. I received the Best Estonian Genre Film Award at HÕFF 2025 for “Come Sit with Us”. Director Peeter Simm says I work in Finno-Ugric mysticism. I think I just work hard, put in a lot of effort and hope that there will be another film.
Estonia
I was born in Haapsalu and have lived here all my life. Thirty-five years ago, I happened to start working for the newly established Lääne Elu newspaper. Although I never intended to become a journalist, I have – with a few pauses here and there – spent my entire adult life in the profession. From 2021 to 2024, I also served as the newspaper’s editor. At a county paper, you write about everything from politics and daily news to sports and culture; however, it is culture that is closest to my heart. I studied history and restoration, and for as long as I have been a journalist, I have also worked as a local tour guide. This is something I have also spent 15 years teaching. While my involvement in the film world is primarily as a viewer, I am an avid cinemagoer.
Latvia
Kristīne is an experienced film professional who has been with the Riga International Film Festival since its inception in 2014. As a film journalist and critic, she contributes to various Latvian media outlets across print, radio, and online platforms. She is a member of the FIPRESCI critics association, a three-time Golden Globes voter, and has led numerous educational and film literacy initiatives in Latvia. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and spending time in nature.
Estonia
Erkki is an experienced leader and IT specialist with over 30 years of experience in business development, leading international projects, and in the design and management of IT infrastructure. He possesses extensive experience in the media and content creation sector, including the launch of digital platforms and the management of international content licenses. He has strong skills in strategic leadership, process optimisation, project management, and collaboration between the public and private sectors. His distribution company, Unlimited Media OÜ (founded in 2008), has earned the Strongest in Estonia recognition.
Veiko is an Estonian science fiction writer, children’s author, poet, translator, and hobby photographer. In 1991, he graduated in forestry from the Estonian Academy of Agriculture. Since 2000, he has been a teacher at Luua Forestry School. He has written seven science fiction books, seven poetry collections, and two children’s books. Since 2015, Veiko has been the President of the Estonian Science Fiction Association. He has won the annual Estonian Science Fiction Award, Stalker, nine times.
Ene is a writer, Saaremaa native and now Tallinn-dweller. She has worked as a librarian, teacher, and journalist. She studied information science, theology, and multimedia design. She is currently the editor of the newspaper Postimees. She reads and writes science fiction and poetry. She has published four poetry collections, and her stories and poems have also been in various anthologies. She respects darker tones in music, films, games, and literature. And enjoys swimming.
Jüri is an Estonian sci-fi literature expert, translator, publisher and editor. He has previously been the director of the Estonian Sci-Fi Association, and the the editor for Elmatar and Fantaasia. He works for the sci-fi magazine Reaktor, and is currently compiling a bibliography for Estonian sci-fi. Kallas’ interests also venture into music and films.
Kalver is a film fan who spends much of his free time watching and (occasionally) writing about movies of all genres and ages. A big fan of Tartu Elektriteater and a curator of their horror film special “Õõvarõõm” (“Joy of Horror”). Author of a book about genre movies “Karta pole vaja” (“No need to be afraid”).
I am a passionate film fan with a particular interest in fantasy and horror. For me, a film must have genuine tension and thrills to be truly memorable. I have a deep appreciation for the art of cinema. When I watch films, I don't simply follow the narrative, but I also pay close attention to the cinematography, visual effects, interesting lighting solutions, and final editing. These are the things that make a film complete.
I am a huge movie buff and often spend my free time watching films. I am most drawn to science fiction and apocalyptic films that make me think about the future of humanity and our planet. But I don’t exclude horror films from my genre selection – on the contrary, I enjoy the suspense they create. What I appreciate most in a film is the element of surprise. I prefer a plot that avoids predictability and instead requires the viewer’s full attention.
In horror films, I appreciate a sense of realism that makes the scenes feel more lifelike and terrifying. Since I've already seen quite a few films, it might be difficult to surprise me, but that's what makes every new film an exciting challenge. I'm always open to discovering new approaches and finding value in every film I watch.
Who doesn’t like movies? I certainly do. I prefer action films, but I’m happy to watch any good film regardless of the genre. I love it when a film completely captures my attention, keeping my mind engaged because the story is so exciting. A good film keeps you glued to the screen.
I also enjoy horror flicks, especially when they build intense suspense and feature an unexpected twist. The cherry on top for me is a film based on real events – even if they are somewhat embellished – as it leaves the viewer guessing what is real and what is not.
I enjoy films that allow me to escape the everyday world and experience different emotions and stories. In films, I appreciate actors’ performances and the feelings they evoke. As a long-time dancer, I also pay attention to their body language, because movement and posture can convey so much without saying a word. Often, the power of a scene lies in what’s unsaid.
I’m most into horror and fantasy films because they can offer something that’s intense yet also profound. In horror, I especially appreciate it when jump scares and eerie atmosphere are supported by a well-thought-out narrative. I love it when tension isn’t brought on solely by shock but also by the characters’ inner conflicts and the deeper meaning of the story.
Fantasy films captivate me with their willingness to break conventions and play with ideas that spark the imagination. Above all, I want to be emotionally invested in films; I want the story to take me along and leave me with something to ponder later.