“A dynamic crowd pleaser that highlights the value of sport to inspire entire nations.” - Ricardo Gallegos, La Estatuilla
Thursday, March 16, 8:15pm | Summer, 1990. The Soviet Union is teetering on the verge of collapse, while the Baltic nations struggle to regain their independence. Against this backdrop of political uncertainty, the Soviet Union basketball championship is about to begin, and the Estonian team, named Kalev, faces an impossible decision: listen to the growing call from Estonians for them to withdraw from the event, or defy public opinion and stay to play. Director Ove Musting’s feature debut - Estonia’s submission to the Academy Awards for consideration - is a rousing and dynamic crowd pleaser, where a loss on the basketball court will signify weakness to their oppressor, while a win will further forge their path to freedom.
Awards & Nominations
Nominee - FIPRESCI Prize, Best Foreign Language, Palm Springs International Film Festival
Chicago European Union Film Festival: A celebration of emerging voices and a showcase of provocative perspectives from across the European Union. We welcome you to country hop with us all March long. Regardless of the country of origin, every film in the 26th Chicago European Union Film Festival has been chosen for you, our Chicago audience. We invite you to see the world on our screens. View full festival here.
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