Festival director Maimu Mölder (middle) receives flowers from Lembitu Ristsoo (left) and Mihkel Ranniste (right). Photo: Peeter Põldre
The gala featured "Everyday Mysticism / Vello Salo. Igapäevaelu müstika", Jaan Tootsen's film about well known Catholic priest Vello Salo, a story about an old and wise man who is preparing to leave this world and, thus, faces many personal and delicate questions.
After the film, the audience had a chance to discuss the film with the moderator Artur Talvik, film director Jaan Tootsen was virtually present via a video from Estonia.
In addition to the main festival, EstDocs also organizes Short Film Competition for films up to 7 min in length. This year's 1st Prize in Professional category was awarded to Ahmed Fouad Ragab for his film “Weekend Warriors".
Professional short film entries were judged by the three member jury consisting of James Crowe (Cinematographer, Professor at Niagara College), Kaisa Kasekamp (Animator, Film-maker) and Kai Kaljo (Film-maker & Artist).
The Tartu College Estonian Studies Center Amateur Filmmaker 1st Prize Award was awarded to "Minu Eesti on siin Kanadas" by Tammo Puhm Pelkonen.
2nd amateur prize went to "Secret Sillamäe: Le combinat No 7" by Nikita Budovey, Margit Karina, Diana Ignatenko.
The Audience Award for short films was awarded to film "Weekend Warriors" by Ahmed Fouad Ragab.
Short film Competition monetary awards were provided by Tartu College.
All the 2019 short film competition entries can be seen on EstDocs Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/estdocsto or below.
The festival continues with its program until November 10th. Some upcoming noteworthy films being shown include Vahur Laiapea's "Afganistan, Impisoned and Free" and "Tõnu Kõrvits, Moorland Elegies" by Marianne Kõrver.
The EstDocs documentary film festival takes place from Nov 8 - 10, 2019 at Toronto Estonian House and Tartu College.
Printed programs are available at the Estonian House, Tartu College and Estonian Toronto Credit Union or visit www.estdocs.com for more information.
EstDocs 2019 Schedule
Gala photos from Nicholas Jones and Peeter Põldre
Nicholas Jones photos
Peeter Põldre photos