8 Views of Lake Biwa
Directed by Marko Raat
Length 126min
Year of production 2024
Production countries Estonia, Finland
Starring Elina Masing, Tiina Tauraite, Jan Uuspõld, Hendrik Toompere, Kärt Kokkota, Meelis Rämmeld, Peeter Tammearu, Simeoni Sundja, Liina Tennosaar, Jüri Vlassov, Toomas Saarepera, Maarja Jakobson, Jarmo Reha, Tommi Korpela
Written by Marko Raat
Director of Photography Sten Johan Lill, E.S.C.
Production Design Kristina Lõuk
Costume Design Reet Aus
Make-up Design Liisi Põllumaa
Editing Jaak Ollino jun
Sound Design Karri Niinivaara
Composer Jakob Juhkam
Producer Ivo Felt, Dora Nedeczky / Allfilm
Co-producers Mark Lwoff, Misha Jaari / Bufo
On the shimmering shores of Europe’s otherworldly edge, two teenage girls, Hanake and her best friend are discussing their first love interest while gazing out at yachts sailing to Kyoto. They whisper prayers and poems, the language of their longings. But the magic is fading in their isolated fishing village as they come to terms with a recent disaster, with some indulging in acts of erotic art, some in spiritual spells. It becomes clear that intimacy alone won’t help them process their loss.
In a deeply visceral tale, acclaimed Estonian director Marko Raat explores themes of love, illuminating the lives of a community who still believe that they are connected to the universe.
