The 7th Annual New York Baltic Film Festival (NYBFF) presented by Scandinavia House: The Nordic Center in America returns this November with the best new films from the Baltic region! On Sunday, November 10, see the Estonian documentary Kelly — Someone Else’s Dream (dir. Leana Jalukse & Helen Lõhmus, Estonia, 2024). Freestyle skier Kelly Sildaru shot to international fame in 2016 when, at the age of 13, she became the youngest Winter X-Games gold medalist of all time in slopestyle, the most dangerous discipline of freestyle skiing. Coached by her father, she became a media sensation, breaking countless records, and becoming the sweetheart of a nation harboring hopes for the next Winter Olympics. No one could have predicted the injury that would derail Kelly’s first Olympic run, or the even more devastating secret she was about to reveal: her father had allegedly been abusing her for years. Delving into the dark side of competitive sports, the documentary explores the immense pressure young athletes face and the toll it takes on their mental well-being. A story of resilience and courage, Kelly — Someone Else’s Dream celebrates a young athlete as she looks back on her life — and charts a new path forward.
“A fast-paced documentary that keeps viewers hooked… an uplifting message of hope and empowerment” (Cineuropa)
“A tough but courageous film [that] explores the dark side of professional sports (POV Magazine)
ABOUT THE DIRECTORS
Helen Lõhmus is an Estonian producer and director who began her career in television in 2004. While she initially found her voice in that medium, her passion for film has always been a driving force in her work. She served as a production and costume designer for Walt Disney Russia on the high school drama After School (directed by the Brothers Presnyakov). Additionally, she was a producer and production & costume designer for the Laotian-French-Estonian co-production Dearest Sister (directed by Mattie Do), which was nominated as an Academy Award candidate for Laos in 2017. Helen’s documentary Kelly – Someone Else’s Dream marks her directorial debut. She is currently involved in developing several drama series, including Detective Von Fock and Behind the Iron Curtain.
Leana Jalukse is a prominent Estonian screenwriter whose work has garnered critical acclaim. Her debut feature, Mother (2016), premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and won several awards, including Best Feature at the Kitzbühel Film Festival and Best Estonian Feature at Tallinn Black Nights. Following this success, her second film, Fire Lily, premiered in May 2018. As a co-writer, she contributed to Deserted (2021), which premiered at the Busan International Film Festival and received the Best Feature award at the Estonian Film and TV Awards. She is both the writer and co-director of Kelly – Someone Else’s Dream. A dedicated advocate for the craft, she is a founding member of the Estonian Screenwriters’ Guild and is affiliated with the Estonian Filmmakers’ Union and the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain
