Hiiumaa Cinema: “Studies of Life” in Kärdla — Eha Urbsalu in person

Screenings of the feature film “Studies of Life” on Hiiumaa:
– 1 November at 14:00, Emmaste School Hall (Eha Urbsalu in person)
– 1 November at 18:00, Kärdla Cinema Hall (Eha Urbsalu in person)
– 2 November at 20:00, Kärdla Cinema Hall
– 4 November at 17:30, Kärdla Cinema Hall
– 20 November at 20:00, Käina Huvi- ja Kultuurikeskus

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STUDIES OF LIFE

It is 1994, and Paul visits Estonia and Hiiumaa for the first time to see the former home of his grandmother Elsa. He discovers a family history whose secrets reach back to some of the most turbulent years in Estonia’s history.

In 1924, young Elsa leaves her home on Hiiumaa and her Communist neighbour Vaino when the charismatic artist Markus Müller enters her life. Elsa chooses Markus and begins a new life in Tallinn.

Twenty years later, in 1944, Elsa’s life falls apart amid the turmoil of war. Her marriage to Markus conceals dangerous secrets, and German officer Hans enters her life. The Chopin étude he plays on the piano accompanies a forbidden love at a time when the whole world around them is collapsing.

When Elsa’s daughter Marta falls into the hands of the returning Soviet army, Elsa’s past catches up with her. Her only chance to save her daughter is to turn to the man she left behind twenty years earlier. Vaino is now a Soviet officer—and the fate of Elsa’s daughter is in his hands.

“Studies of Life” is an epic romantic historical drama about love, family and choices whose consequences can reach across generations. In its emotional world, the film carries the spirit of classic romantic dramas “Doctor Zhivago” and “Casablanca”, while telling a deeply Estonian story. The cast includes Eha Urbsalu, Mart Sander, Triin Lellep, Jasmin Selberg, Merle Palmiste, Crispian Belfrage and Saskia Slaaf.