You are invited to the Estonian Institute of Historical Memory’s film evening at Cinema Sõprus on November 25, 2025, at 6:00 PM.
This time, we will watch the Finnish epic film “The Winter War” (Talvisota, 1989).
The screening commemorates the 86th anniversary of the beginning of the Finns’ unbroken resistance in the Winter War and celebrates Finland’s 108th Independence Day on December 6.
The story of the Winter War and the film will be introduced by Hannele Valkeeniemi, Director of the Finnish Institute in Estonia.
The film is provided with English subtitles.
Please register your attendance using this form:
The Winter War (Talvisota, 1989)
A Finnish film classic on Estonian screens — 86 years after the outbreak of the Winter War
On November 25, just five days before the 86th anniversary of the war’s beginning, Pekka Parikka’s powerful epic “The Winter War” will be shown at Cinema Sõprus — a film that brings to life a nation’s courage and steadfast resistance against an overwhelming and brutal enemy.
On November 30, 1939, the Soviet Union launched a sudden attack on Finland, sparking a war that lasted 105 cold and bloody days. Based on Antti Tuuri’s novel, the film follows farmers from South Ostrobothnia who are called to the front at the Karelian Isthmus. Among them are brothers Martti and Paavo Hakala — ordinary men who become heroes, standing and fighting for their home and independence.
Authentic, moving, and visually stunning, The Winter War is one of Finland’s most influential war films of all time. It attracted over 600,000 cinema-goers and won six Jussi Awards.
It is a story of courage, brotherhood, and humanity amid the icy cruelty and chaos of war.
The screening is part of the Estonian Institute of Historical Memory’s film and discussion evening series, in cooperation with Cinema Sõprus and the Finnish Institute in Estonia.
A restored version of the film, 199 minutes long, will be shown.
Special thanks to the Finnish National Audiovisual Institute (KAVI) — kavi.fi.
