Taarka (2008)

An ethnographic musical drama about a Seto (regional ethnic minority in South-Eastern Estonia) folk-singer Hilana Taarka.

Director:

Ain Mäeots

Writers:

Ülle Kahusk (play) (as Kauksi Ülle), Ülle Kahusk (screenplay) (as Kauksi Ülle)

Stars:

Inga Salurand, Siiri Sisask, Marje Metsur

Cast

Credited cast:
Inga Salurand	...	Young Taarka
Siiri Sisask	...	Darja 'Taarka' Pisumaa
Marje Metsur	...	Old Taarka
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Tanel Joonas	...	Rüa Piitre
Helge Kalda	...	Young Tato
Kirke Kalda	...	Young Tato
Riho Kütsar	...	Rüa Ivvan
Inara Luigas	...	Rüa Piitre's wife
Toomas Lõhmuste	...	Station agent
Siim Maaten	...	Suitor
Riina Maidre	...	Tatjana 'Tato' Pisumaa
Helena Merzin	...	Anna Raudkats
Ain Mäeots	...	Village Person
Mikko Nousiainen	...	Armas Otto Väisänen
Kaarel Oja	...	Young Vasso

Storyline

The first film in the Seto language in the world speaks about the brightest heroine of a small people, the folk singer Hilana Taarka, a woman who lived her whole life as an outcast in a small chimney-less hut; as an unmarried mother of children in poverty, begging her bread, doing odd jobs and singing. She always sang the truth, sometimes bitter, sometimes funny, sometimes cruel. She was feared, despised and coveted. Taarka sang throughout her remarkable life, throughout her fate, from a small Seto village to international fame. And she sang well. Really well. Taarka became the Mother of the Song, a legend. But as a woman, as a member of the community, the Seto people never really accepted her. Taarka - a despised woman and a worshiped singer.

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Plot Keywords:

based on play | 

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Genres:

Biography | Comedy | Drama | Musical

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User Reviews

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [Estonia] TipTheAuthors [EST]

Country:

Estonia

Language:

Estonian Finnish

Release Date:

15 August 2008 (Estonia)

Also Known As:

Таарка

Filming Locations:

Helsinki, Finland

Company Credits

Production Co:

Exitfilm

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min (European Film Market)

Color:

Color