A Woman Heats the Sauna

Mari takes on the task of heating a traditional Estonian sauna in a remote rural village. As she prepares the sauna for the weekly gathering, the film explores the interactions and subtle dynamics between the villagers who come to cleanse themselves, revealing snippets of their lives, personal histories, and the community’s secrets. The sauna becomes a microcosm of the village life, highlighting the intersection of tradition, routine, and the intimate moments shared in the steamy warmth.

The movie was shot in authentic rural locations, capturing the natural beauty and cultural essence of Estonia.

Ita Ever, one of Estonia’s most celebrated performers, renowned for her extensive career in theater, film, and television.

The movie uses a traditional Estonian sauna as a central narrative device, showcasing rural Estonian life.

The Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic (Estonian SSR) was established on August 6, 1940, following the Soviet occupation of Estonia during World War II. Estonia was forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union, becoming one of its 15 constituent republics.

The Estonian SSR declared sovereignty on November 16, 1988, and full independence from the Soviet Union on August 20, 1991, during the dissolution of the USSR. Upon gaining independence, the Estonian SSR was dissolved, and the Republic of Estonia was restored, continuing the legacy of the pre-Soviet Estonian state established in 1918.