The Fourth Annual New York Baltic Film Festival (NYBFF) presented by Scandinavia House: The Nordic Center in America returns in 2021 as a hybrid festival with both in-person and virtual screenings on November 3-14! From November 3 through 7, in-person screenings and events will take place at Scandinavia House in New York, presented in accordance with new COVID-19 safety guidance and protocols. Following the success of last year’s festival, the online version will once again be available to viewers all across the U.S. via the Elevent streaming platform November 3-14.
On November 6, see Kratt (dir. Rasmus Merivoo, Estonia, 2020, Narrative). A pair of urbanized siblings (Nora and Harri Merivoo, the director’s children) are left at their grandmother’s house in rural Estonia while their parents go on a wellness retreat. As if this wasn’t annoying enough, they had their smartphones confiscated! Granny preaches that the devil finds work for idle hands, but luckily, there are plenty of chores in the countryside. When she tells them about kratts, mythical creatures who do whatever their masters tell them, the children get an idea. Now all they need to do is find the devil and buy a soul…
Director Rasmus Merivoo effortlessly blends Estonian folklore with modern technology and darkness with light. Part comedy, part family film, part gory horror, this thrilling Estonian film surprises at every corner.
“An enjoyable and crazy romp”–Bobby LePire, Film Threat
“Gleefully absurd and chaotic family fantasy. Fun and funny, weird, wacky and wonderful”–Andrew Mack, Screen Anarchy
Tickets to this event must be purchased in advance online at the link above; film screenings will take place in Victor Borge Hall. All attendees are required to present proof of vaccination upon arrival in compliance with New York State government; read more here. Attendees are required to follow all Scandinavia House safety protocols, including wearing masks during the program and observing social distancing rules in signage. Please read our full safety protocols here.
Virtual screenings of this film will take place from November 7-14. To read more and purchase virtual passes, please click here.
About the Director
Rasmus Merivoo is one of the most unique Estonian filmmakers in recent times. His film school short ALIEN – SAVING VALDIS IN 11 CHAPTERS (2006) became an instant cult classic due to its bold and original storytelling.
After shooting his debut feature BURATINO (2009) in Russia, Merivoo started working in TV and directed a season of the popular horror series SÜVAHAVVA (2012-13). KRATT is his second feature, and here Merivoo returns to writing and directing.
About the NYBFF
Established in 2018, the New York Baltic Film Festival is presented and organized by Scandinavia House in collaboration with the Consulate General of Estonia, Consulate General of Lithuania, and Permanent Mission of Latvia to the United Nations in New York.
Financial support for the festival comes from the Estonian Film Institute, National Film Center of Latvia, and Lithuanian Film Center, with additional sponsorship by the Lithuanian Culture Institute, American Latvian Association, LV-100, Printful, PBLA Culture Fund and the Lithuanian Foundation and the Embassy of Latvia in Washington DC.
