Production on Ove Musting’s debut feature, a sports drama entitled Kalev [+lire aussi :
bande-annonce
fiche film], 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 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.