Estonian film 'Morten' wins three awards at Italian film festival

TALLINN – Director Ivan Pavljutškov's debut feature film "Morten" won three awards at the Giffoni Film Festival for children and youth, held in Italy from July 17-25. 

The film received the Gryphon Award for the best film in the 15+ age category, with the winner selected by an international youth jury. Additionally, "Morten" was awarded the CONOU Special Prize, which recognizes films addressing themes of sustainability and positive change, presented by the Italian National Consortium for the Collection, Management, and Treatment of Used Mineral Oils. As its third accolade, the film won the CGS (Youth Socio-Cultural Film Clubs) award, "Percorsi Creativi 2026".

This recognition is particularly significant because the audiences and juries at the Giffoni Film Festival are predominantly young people, and "Morten" was chosen as the best in its category by viewers from the same generation whose experiences the film portrays. The themes of self-discovery, belonging, and staying true to oneself resonate most directly with this audience.

In a discussion following the screening of "Morten" at the Giffoni Film Festival, young audience members shared their experiences and highlighted the film's calm and immersive rhythm, the dreamlike quality of Morten and Emilie's relationship, and the protagonist's complexity. The film was also praised for its fresh approach, avoiding clichés often found in films for young people. 

The Giffoni Film Festival for children and youth was established in 1971 to promote and develop cinema for young audiences. Its international jury consists of nearly 600 young film enthusiasts. 

"Morten," set to be released in Estonian cinemas on September 11, combines a delicate portrayal of the inner world of youth with social sensitivity and a mystical dimension. It is a captivating film about self-discovery, the pain of being unseen, friendship, first feelings, and the courage to be oneself even when the world makes it difficult.

The title role in "Morten" is played by Tõru Kannimäe ("Fränk"). Other key roles are performed by Helena Maria Reisner ("The Little Comrade"), Emili Rohumaa, Külli Teetamm, Andres Mähar, Priit Loog, and others. 

The film is based on the award-winning book "Morten, Emilie ja kadunud maailmad" (Morten, Emilie and the Lost Worlds) by author Reeli Reinaus. The screenplay for "Morten" was written by Reeli Reinaus, and the film was directed by Ivan Pavljutškov. The cinematographer is Ants Tammik, the composer is Titas Petrikis, sound director is Jonas Jocys, editor is Ričardas Matačius, production designer is Ketlin Kasar, costume designer is Neoon Must, and makeup artist is Kelli Neitsov.

The film was produced by Kopli Kinokompanii in co-production with Lithuanian company Fralita Films. The producer is Anneli Ahven, with Živilė Gallego as co-producer. The film received support from the Estonian Film Institute, the Cultural Endowment of Estonia, the Tartu Film Fund, and the Lithuanian Film Centre. It is distributed by ACME Film.

"Morten" had its world premiere on July 5 at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. 

"Morten" will premiere in Estonian cinemas on September 11.