Headwind Hall / Vastutuulesaal

The world renowned Estonian conductor Tõnu Kaljuste, the favourite of composer Arvo Pärt, wants to build an opera house called Nargen Opera on Naissaar, an island, which not long ago was a closed Soviet military base, does not have a regular ferry line, no electricity and has only one permanent resident.
Against the odds and the opposition of the financial world, he wants to establish a unique cultural centre, where traditions and modern times meet. To put his idea into practice, he brings operas on stage on the mainland to raise money from the ticket sales, and carries construction materials and other necessities to the island in his own small boat. Along the way, he faces unexpected difficulties and finds himself in almost absurd situations.
The title HEADWIND HALL refers to an idea of inventor Schmidt, whose land Kaljuste bought for the opera house – Schmidt wanted to build a headwind ship that would use the energy of headwind in order to move ahead with double power.

Details

Country of Production
Estonia

Year of Production
2007

Format
Digi Beta Pal, Beta SP Pal

Length
57 min

Production
Ruut in co-production with ETV and YLE

Original Language
Estonian

Subtitles
English, Russian

Festivals / Awards

Nordische Filmtage Lübeck 2007
Tallinn Black Night FF 2007
FIPA Biarritz 2008 (D'Argent Special Price)
Pärnu IFF 200
Riga Int. Film Forum ARSENALS 2008 (Best Documentary Film Award in Baltic Film Competition)