Skip to content

Estonia offers "8 Perspectives of Lake Biwa" for Academy Awards consideration

"Lake Biwa's '8 Views' by Estonia's Marko Raat referred for Best International Film award at the 97th Academy Awards"

Check Out This Sick Film Submission for the 97th Academy Awards!

Estonia offers "8 Perspectives of Lake Biwa" for Academy Awards consideration

Hey there, film enthusiasts!

Get ready to add some diversity to your viewing lists because we've got some exciting news! The Estonian Film Institute has submitted a mind-blowing feature film, titled "8 Views of Lake Biwa," as their candidate for the Best International Film category at the 97th Academy Awards.

Filmed near a quaint Russian Old Believers' village on the shores of Lake Peipus in Estonia, this cinematic masterpiece is framed through the Japanese artistic tradition of scenic views. This tradition, inspired by the Chinese "Eight Views of Xiaoxiang," became popular in Japan, with works like the "Eight Views of Ōmi," depicting landscapes around Lake Biwa.

This film is a profound exploration of humanity's disconnection from the soulfulness of nature. The Estonian Film Institute believes this film, which premiered at the Rotterdam Film Festival in early 2024, is a "unique interpretation" that will only grow in value over time. It seamlessly blends personal storytelling with international impact.

Marko Raat, the director of this awesome flick, expressed his excitement, describing the selection as a "great tribute to Biwa" and a one-of-a-kind opportunity for American audiences to experience a fusion of European and Asian art via Estonian cinema. Viola Salu, head of the Estonian Film Institute's production department, praised the film for its originality and artistic quality, highlighting the increasing diversity of Estonian filmmaking.

"8 Views of Lake Biwa" is based on the 1911 book by German Japanophile Max Dauthendy and is a collaboration between Estonia and Finland. The film is directed by Raat, produced by Ivo Felt, Dora Nedeczky, Mark Lwoff, and Misha Jaari from Allfilm.

Mark your calendars! The 97th Academy Awards will take place on 2 March 2025 in Los Angeles. Don't miss out on this groundbreaking Estonian-Finnish production!

  • Share114
  • Tweet
  • LinkedIn
  • Email

Fun Fact:

Estonian cinema is on the rise, and "8 Views of Lake Biwa" is another example of the art form's growing diversity and international appeal. This captivating film is a fusion of European and Asian art, exemplifying the cross-cultural collaborations that drive modern filmmaking. Don't sleep on this one—add it to your must-watch list!

  1. The mind-blowing feature film "8 Views of Lake Biwa," submitted for the Best International Film category at the 97th Academy Awards, is not only Estonian but also showcases a fusion of European and Asian art.
  2. The director of "8 Views of Lake Biwa," Marko Raat, stated that being selected for the Academy Awards was a great tribute not only to Lake Biwa but also a unique opportunity for American audiences to experience a mixing of European and Asian cultures through Estonian cinema.
  3. Viola Salu, head of the Estonian Film Institute's production department, praised "8 Views of Lake Biwa" for its originality and artistic quality, and highlighted the growing diversity of Estonian filmmaking as an emerging force in the entertainment industry.
  4. "8 Views of Lake Biwa" is based on the 1911 book by German Japanophile Max Dauthendy and is a collaborative project between Estonia and Finland, exemplifying the cross-cultural collaborations that are becoming increasingly prevalent in the realm of movies and TV shows.
Estonia is putting forth Marko Raat's movie,

Read also:

Latest