"Estonian for Eschatophobes"
Video still, 15 minutes
2011
The video is basically a beginner’s course in the Estonian language, based in short, simple sentences that explain and highlight different aspects of Estonian grammar. But rather than resorting to the endlessly positive ”can-do” attitude that permeates ordinary language courses – (”in this sequence we will learn how to ask for directions and find our way to our destination”) – the film focuses on other, and perhaps more relevant, feelings related to a visit to a country where one has only a fragmented knowledge of the language and understands very little of what fluent speakers actually say: Alienation, confusion, despair, desperation and loneliness.