Stories from the Sauna
The Sun & Stars International Film Festival Showcases “Smoke Sauna Sisterhood”
By Lisset Guillen, Assistant Editor
*This article contains sensitive content and may be upsetting to some readers The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival at Paragon Theatres debuted the film “Smoke Sauna Sisterhood” on Mar. 9, 2024, which profoundly impacted the audience.
“Smoke Sauna Sisterhood” is an Estonian documentary that focuses on traumas women have experienced. Estonian women gathered in a sauna, cleansed their guilt, shared their most intimate experiences and regained strength. They spoke fervently about abuse, neglect and body image.
“The film had a lot of heavy topics,” said an anonymous film attendee. “It talked about childbirth, abortion and rape, but it was refreshing for people to be honest. I liked the cinematography style and how the director didn’t simultaneously film the person speaking with their face and body.”
When the women spoke, their faces were not shown so that the audience could focus on the message and organic beauty of the women. The film was in Estonian, yet certain topics resonated with the audience.
“I grew up in Estonian society, and it is very patriarchal and, in many ways, misogynistic,” said Kadri Graff, an Estonian film attendee. “There is a deeper connection with me because I come from the same background. They were talking about many things that caused them shame and they are so vulnerable.”
“Smoke Sauna Sisterhood” was just one of the movies displayed. The film festival also showcased the documentaries “My Name Is Alfred Hitchcock,” “Hundreds of Beavers” and drama film “Inshallah a Boy.” The festival displayed 25 films ranging from romances, comedies and LGBTQIA stories.
“We’ve had the opportunity to bring 25 films to Palm Beach County,” said Nathalie Glaze, film festival manager. “We’ve had so many films that have won awards at Sundance. We [had] a little bit of everything for everyone.”
“Smoke Sauna Sisterhood” won the directing award in the World Cinema Documentary section at Sundance.
