The Estonian-German co-production, a silent feature “Waves of Passion” is the most ambitious local film before World War II. Brazilian author Rex Ronney infiltrates a gang of bootleggers on Estonia’s northern coast, gathering material for his next novel. Along the way, he falls for the daring Betty, whose father is drawn into the gang’s dealings due to his debts.

Betty is played by Slovenian film star Ita Rina, a major name in European cinema at the time. Rex is portrayed by Poltava-born Vladimir Gaidarov, for whom “Waves of Passion” was both his directorial debut and only foray into directing.

The film’s only surviving print is preserved in the National Archives of Estonia, digitally restored in 2023 with the support of the European Commission’s Creative Europe MEDIA programme. The live score will be composed and performed by Stephen Horne and Frank Bockius.

Eva Näripea