The Just Film sub-festival of the Pimedate Ööde Filmifestival will kick off this year's program with the documentary "The Story of Estonian Skateboarding," which will have its world premiere on November 9. Directors Ivar Murd and Taavi Arus present the fifty-year history of skateboarding in Estonia, starting from the clay-wheeled skateboards that originated in Võru in the 1980s to the present day, where young people explore the world through skateboarding.

"The Story of Estonian Skateboarding" inspires and connects generations, showcasing how the passion and dedication of a small community have developed the entire skate culture in Estonia. The film is perfect for opening our festival, as Just Film always aims to highlight unique and engaging stories that resonate with today's youth and authentically reflect their world," explained Mikk Granström, the director of Just Film, regarding the choice of the opening film.

"Our documentary in the 'Estonian Stories' series grew much larger than expected; what started as a 20-minute documentary became a full-length film because there is so much to show in Estonian street culture," said Murd, the film's director. "Making a film is at least as challenging as executing a kickflip, but I’m glad that we were able to discuss skateboarding as a lifestyle with Simple Session organizer Risto Kalmre, musician and producer Paul Oja, DJ and producer Lauri Tähe, and Kristopher Luigend, the host of IDA radio and one of the organizers of the party series 'Haigla,' to name just a few," Murd expressed with excitement.

The film's author and one of the directors, Ivar Murd, graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in the USA with a degree in directing in the Department of Audiovisual Arts. Murd received the Estonian Cultural Endowment’s annual award in 2021 for the films "u.Q." and "Lil Estonia," and in 2022, he won the EFTA award for Best Editing Director.

Taavi Arus, the film's cinematographer and co-director, also received the Estonian Cultural Endowment’s annual award in 2021 for "Lil Estonia" and is currently working on a documentary about the band Puuluup, which represented Estonia in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Just Film, taking place from November 8 to 24, has grown into one of Estonia's largest events for children and youth, attracting nearly 20,000 film enthusiasts each year. The festival will showcase over 50 children’s and youth films that cannot be seen elsewhere, including several world premieres and meetings with international filmmakers.

Just Film is brought to viewers by major sponsor Swedbank. PÖFF is presented by Elisa and Nordic Hotel Forum.

"The Story of Estonian Skateboarding" premieres at Sõprus Cinema on November 9 and will be in theaters starting November 24.

The film's afterparty will take place at Telliskivi Creative City, between IDA radio's new studio, Vaal Gallery, and Kopli Couture, at Telliskivi 60A/5.