New York Times Selects Estonia's "Smoke Sauna Sisterhood" as an Exceptional Film of 2023
The Estonian documentary, "Smoke Sauna Sisterhood," has earned a place among the best films of 2023, as recognized by critics of The New York Times. Alissa Wilkinson, one of the newspaper's film critics and an accomplished film writer since 2005, included the film in her list of favorite movies of the year, placing it seventh in her rankings.
In her review, Wilkinson praises the film for its candid exploration of women's lives, set against the backdrop of a traditional smoke sauna in the heart of Estonia's forests. The documentary captured the painful and joyful realities of its participants, who discussed their fears, ambitions, and experiences—ranging from romantic woes to the traumatic effects of societal norms—together in an atmosphere of warmth and safety.
Remarkably frank and visually striking, "Smoke Sauna Sisterhood" delves deep into its subjects' lives, offering a level of authenticity that is often missing from fictional films. Wilkinson's favorable endorsement places the film alongside other acclaimed productions such as "Oppenheimer" and "Killers of the Flower Moon."
Directed by Anna Hints, "Smoke Sauna Sisterhood" has already gained recognition outside of The New York Times circle. In August, the Estonian Film Institute nominated the movie for an American Film Academy Award, hoping to secure an Oscar nomination in the Best International Feature Film category. The film had previously won the directing award in the World Cinema Documentary category at the Sundance Film Festival.
The movie is an intimate and contemporary exploration of women who come together in the protective darkness of a smoke sauna, sharing their deepest secrets and seeking solace in mutual understanding and healing. The ancient smokehouse tradition, inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List for its cultural significance, forms a crucial component of the film.
Through its examination of themes such as community, healing, taboos, womanhood, and the power of nature, "Smoke Sauna Sisterhood" demonstrates the resilience of women as they navigate through the complexities and challenges life presents. The film's evocative visuals and authentic storytelling mark it as a significant work in contemporary documentary cinema, garnering international recognition for Estonian cinema.
In the world of entertainment, "Smoke Sauna Sisterhood," an Estonian documentary, has been commended for its raw portrayal of women's lives and cultural traditions. Alissa Wilkinson, a renowned film critic and writer, highlighted the film's candid exploration of women's realities and placed it seventh amongst her favorite movies of 2023. The documentary's depiction of traditions like the smoke sauna, inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, adds a layer of cultural significance to the film, positioning it as a notable work in contemporary documentary language.
