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Smoke Sauna Sisterhood

Smoke Sauna Sisterhood

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Summary

Documentary. In a woodland smoke sauna in southern Estonia, a group of women meet to share stories of life events, traumas and other personal matters. As they also participate in traditional chants and other cleansing rituals, a portrait of mutual support takes shape.

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IMDB

Review

A star rating of 5 out of 5.

Amber Wilkinson

This immersive documentary by Anna Hints invites us into the steamy embrace of one of southern Estonia's smoke saunas. Situated next to a frozen lake, the woodland cabin may be small but it contains a world of experiences. We join a group of women as they use the sweating-out ritual to share their personal stories, discussing major life events and past traumas, as well as engaging in more everyday chat and observations. Moisture glints and flashes from their bodies as the women talk, reinforcing the sense that this is an ancient tradition wedded to nature. They also take part in traditional chants, asking the water to "take the pain away". The resulting film is intimate but never intrusive, with Hints's camera moving in close to her subjects. The sense of closeness and support between the women is moving, and the experience of joining them as they talk honestly about their lives proves poetic and profound.

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7.1/10

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Credits

Cast

rolenameKadi KiviloKadi KiviloMaria MeresaarMaria MeresaarElsa SaksElsa SaksMarianne LiivMarianne LiivEva KübarEva Kübar

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Crew

rolenameDirectorAnna Hints

Details

Released on

2023-10-13

Languages

Estonian

Guidance

Swearing, sexual references, nudity

Formats

Colour

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