TIFF 2024: Sauna Day Movie Trailer
If you’re intrigued by the intense and transformative power of traditional rituals, Sauna Day is a short film that offers a gripping exploration of male intimacy through the lens of a traditional Estonian sauna. Co-directed by Anna Hints and Tushar Prakash, this 13-minute film serves as a fascinating counterpoint to Hints’ earlier work, Smoke Sauna Sisterhood, delving into a space typically reserved for women but now shifting focus to the male experience.
What’s It About?
Sauna Day (original title: Sannapäiv) takes place in a steamy Estonian sauna, where a group of men gathers to endure the intense heat and humidity of the ritual. With almost no dialogue, the film immerses viewers in the physical and emotional journey of these men, capturing their unspoken connections and the cathartic experience of the sauna.
The film begins with a dozen men in the sauna, but as the temperature rises, only two remain committed to the ritual. The camera closely follows their every move, emphasizing the repetitive, almost meditative actions as one man uses a bundle of herbs to beat the other. This process, both physically and metaphorically intense, becomes a form of purification and renewal.
Why You Should Watch It
1. Unique Perspective: While Smoke Sauna Sisterhood explored the feminine side of the sauna experience, Sauna Day shifts the focus to men, providing a rare and intimate view of how male bodies and minds interact with this traditional practice.
2. Cinematic Craftsmanship: Hints and Prakash’s direction shines through in the film’s visual and auditory elements. The close-up shots and the detailed sound design pull you into the sauna’s oppressive heat, making the viewer feel as though they are part of the ritual.
3. Exploration of Masculinity: The film addresses themes of masculinity and intimacy in a space where physical touch and shared experience replace verbal communication. This portrayal of male vulnerability and connection offers a fresh perspective on gender dynamics.
4. Artistic Touch: The film’s staging and cinematography are reminiscent of classical paintings, with carefully choreographed movements and expressions that convey both the harshness and the healing nature of the sauna experience.
Showtimes
Catch Sauna Day at these upcoming screenings:
- Thursday, September 5
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
8:00 PM EDT - Friday, September 6
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Press & Industry Screening: 1:30 PM EDT - Thursday, September 12
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
5:45 PM EDT
Final Thoughts
Sauna Day is a compelling short film that takes a traditional Estonian ritual and examines it through a contemporary lens. By focusing on the physical and emotional experience of two men in the sauna, Hints and Prakash offer a unique look at male intimacy and vulnerability. Whether you’re familiar with sauna culture or just looking for a film that dives deep into human connection, this short is definitely worth a watch.
References
Cannes 2024 (Critics’ Week): Sauna Day (by Anna Hints & Tushar Prakash) | Review
