Autumn - seasonal newsletter 2025
Newsletter no 1
Dear friends of Estonian culture,
This autumn brings an exciting line-up of Estonian culture in Belgium – from symphonic to film and contemporary music. We warmly invite you to join us at these events and experience the diversity and creativity of Estonia’s cultural scene.
Heili Jõe
Counsellor for Cultural Affairs
Permanent Representation of Estonia to the EU
Smile at Last (1985) at EUNIC Brussels Film Festival
The penultimate film by Estonian cinema icon Leida Laius and the directorial debut of Arvo Iho explores the hostility of an orphanage as a reflection of late Soviet society. With a critical realist approach, it emphasizes the responsibility for the fate of vulnerable children and adolescents.
Smile at Last will be presented on the big screen at the EUNIC Brussels Film Festival (6–16 October), restored and digitised in 2024, with lead actress Monika Raide as special guest.
7/10 at 18:00 – Brussels, Cinema Vendôme
Arvo Pärt Festival at Flagey
Flagey celebrates Arvo Pärt’s 90th birthday with concerts, film screenings, and performances by renowned choirs and young Estonian artists, showcasing his unique and timeless musical language.
8/10 & 11/10 at 15:00 – Children’s films with Pärt’s music
10/10 at 12:30 – Tähe-Lee Liiv
10/10 at 18:30 – Marcel Johannes Kits & Sten Heinoja
11/10 at 22:15 – Anna-Liisa Eller
Estonian films at FILEM’ON
For its 19th edition, FILEM’ON has chosen the theme “Boundless”, offering over 100 short and feature films, animations, and documentaries.
Screenings of Estonian short films:
Filmmakers and animators from Estonia’s Animakool will also be present, giving workshops for children.
⋯➤ More info & tickets
TUMA & Ensemble21
Two ensembles dedicated to contemporary music—TUMA (Ensemble for New Music Tallinn) from Estonia and Belgian Ensemble21—come together to create a lively and bold musical dialogue. The programme features works by Estonian composers Madli Marje Gildemann, Oren Boneh, Arash Yazdani, and Jean-Luc Hervé’s Germination (concert + sound installation).
Founded in 2012, TUMA has become internationally recognized for performing music that combines different tuning systems and media, specializing in contemporary works that require exceptional technical proficiency.
31/10 at 20:00 – Brussels, Le Senghor – Salle 1900
Stay connected with Estonian culture!
Our seasonal newsletter brings you the latest cultural news, event details and curated recommendations. If you have an event to share or a question for us, feel free to reach out at heili.joe@mfa.ee.
