Smoke Sauna Sisterhood
15
The sauna-based rituals carried out by women of the Võro community of Estonia are so unique they appear on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Anna Hint's captivating film places us at the heart of this world.
As the women unwind and talk, there is humour borne of their familiarity with each other and of shared experiences, but there are also tales of pain and suffering. With few key exceptions, Hint's camera focuses on the women listening rather than those doing the talking, further enveloping us in this world.
There is a frankness to the way she films her subjects – the close-ups on bodies are matter-of-fact and never salacious. And the subtle sound design, combined with Edvard Egilsson’s atmospheric choral score, adds to the uniqueness of this intimate environment. celebrates female solidarity and community through a group of Estonian women who continue an age-old tradition.
The documentary celebrates female solidarity and community through a group of Estonian women who continue an age-old tradition.
The screening of Smoke Sauna Sisterhood on Tuesday 10th October at 18:30, will be proceeded by a live intro from Reclaim The Frame's Yorkshire Impact Producer Toni Lee.
This screening will be presented with captions and with the introduction text made available on screen.
This event is brought to you in partnership with Reclaim The Frame - a UK wide charity with a mission to champion marginalised perspectives in cinema, and connect with audiences through community building and conversation.
To join them in advocating for social justice in all film spaces, to find out more about upcoming events, or to donate to their access initiative as part of The Big Give, please go to reclaimtheframe.org or @ReclaimTheFrame / #ReclaimTheFrame on social media.
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“Anna Hint ignites an appreciation for the long-standing cultural custom of smoke sauna, in a visceral portrait that centres the female experience and the human need for connection.”
The Indiependent
“The outstanding power and importance of this film lie in the fact that, shown from the most intimate vicinity, the women and their bodies testify to the history of oppression that we are only gradually learning about.”
Modern Times Review
“Part of the film’s transcendent appeal is the result of specific formal choices made by Hint... The soundscape is precise and evocative... Ants Tammik’s camerawork is similarly inspired, especially in the framing of the women’s bodies which are displayed without prudery but also without prurience.”
Variety