The Opinionator

The story of the life and destiny of a woman who throws herself bravely into a battle against the Estonian State. Esja Sur, age 68, is retired, but still hale and hearty. Her retirement days are devoted to organising demonstrations against government decisions, defending the rights of older, retired people. She will not compromise. Being part of the Russian minority in Estonia, she attempts to reach the Russian ambassador. She needs help establishing an office so she can oppose the social changes that are endangering poor and elderly citizens. This drama of the rebel with a cause, started in 1997, when the Estonian Court fined her for organising a public meeting without permission. After battling against those authorities, her case was discharged by the Higher Court. She demands huge compensation and damages for mental distress and unfounded accusations. Since the Supreme Court denies permission for such a trial, she takes her complaint to the European Court for Human Rights and continues her struggle. A cinéma-vérité style, an almost invisible camera and truthful, spontaneous moments, vividly picture the many dark tones of Estonia, a society in transition. (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)