email print share on Facebook share on Twitter share on LinkedIn share on reddit pin on Pinterest

PRODUCTION / FUNDING Estonia

Filming about to wrap on Ove Musting’s Kalev

by 

- The sports drama is set in 1990 and will star Mait Malmsten, Priit Võigemast, Reimo Sagor, Mihkel Kuusk and Andris Keišs in the lead roles

Filming about to wrap on Ove Musting’s Kalev
Kalev by Ove Musting (© Allfilm)

Production on Ove Musting’s debut feature, a sports drama entitled Kalev [+see also:
trailer
film profile
]
, is under way. Before developing this film, Musting worked on several shorts and in the field of advertising. Only a few days of filming are left before principal photography wraps, and these had to be postponed owing to the coronavirus outbreak. The feature is being shot in Estonian and Russian, with filming on location in Estonia and Latvia.

The story of Kalev, penned by the director himself, Mehis Pihla and Martin Algus, is based on true events and is set during the summer of 1990. The Soviet Union is teetering on the brink of collapse, and the small Baltic nations are struggling to regain their lost independence. The Soviet Union’s basketball championship is set to begin against the backdrop of a deeply divided society. In particular, the Estonian team, Kalev, faces a momentous decision. With the country’s independence seemingly within reach, a rising tide of public opinion opposes the Estonian national team’s participation in the USSR’s championship. As professional athletes, the team makes the unpopular choice. Against all odds, Kalev makes it to the finals.

(The article continues below - Commercial information)

The cast includes actors Mait Malmsten, Priit Võigemast, Reimo Sagor, Mihkel Kuusk and Andris Keišs, whilst the main technical crew members are DoP Rein Kotov, editor Jaak Ollino, production designer Tiiu-Ann Pello and composer Mihkel Zilmer.

Kalev is being produced by Pille Rünk for Allfilm and by Maria Avdjushko for Ugri Film (both Estonian outfits). The domestic distribution has been entrusted to HeaFilm. The project was also backed by the Estonian Film Institute, the Cultural Endowment of Estonia and private investors. The feature is slated for release in 2022.

(The article continues below - Commercial information)

Did you enjoy reading this article? Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive more stories like this directly in your inbox.

Privacy Policy