magnus
According to the Estonian Film Foundation, Kadri Kõusaar’s directorial debut “Magnus” is the first Estonian film to be included in the Cannes official program.
„Magnus” is the story of a sensitive young boy named Magnus (Ruuben Rekkor), who grows up in a family and atmosphere where no one really cares about him. His parents think that children grow up themselves, and if they have food and shelter, all is OK – no more effort must be invested in them. Magnus suffers from a lung disease that is said to be fatal and plays bizarre games with death. However, ten years later, modern medicine has managed to cure the disease but Magnus’ death wish is still there. When a grown-up Magnus (Kristjan Kasearu) makes his second suicide attempt, his father’s (Mart Laisk) conscience awakens. He tries to teach his son some lessons and convince him to go on living, up to a shocking conclusion.
According to The Baltic Times, the film “was banned from distribution in Estonia by a court.” The director, Kadri Kõusaar, appealed the decision and the court hearing was held yesterday. I don’t yet know what the court decided, but I’m hoping for the best.