Test filming of historical film Ümera jõel took place in Estonia
Test filming of the historical film Ümera jõel (“On the Ümera River”) took place in Ida-Viru County. The film is an Estonian-Latvian-Finnish co-production based on a novel by Estonian writer Mait Metsanurk. ERR News reports.
The test filming at the Aidu quarry gave the creators an idea of what the future film could become. The main filming period is planned for the summer of 2027. According to the team’s concept, filming may also take place in southern Estonia, Latvia and Ida-Viru County.
Screenplay and plot
The film’s screenwriter and director is Mikk Mägi. The film will tell the story of a struggle for freedom in the 13th century. According to Mägi, it is an adventure epic war film featuring tragedy and drama, centered on young men who grow up through trials.
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The first version of the screenplay was written by writer and military expert Leo Kunnas. Since it differed significantly from Metsanurk’s novel, Mägi prepared a new screenplay at the producers’ request. At the same time, battle scenes from Kunnas’ screenplay are planned to be used in the film.
Battle scenes and the main character
Cinematographer Rein Kotov noted that war films require careful preparation. The film includes numerous confrontation scenes, including knife and sword fights, which require lengthy training and rehearsals.
The main character, Velo, will be played by Ursel Tilk. His character follows a path from an exiled child to the leader of his native village. After the test filming, Tilk said that the project seemed large-scale and impressive to him. Ümera jõel is expected to be released in cinemas in autumn 2028.
