Martti Helde

Martti Helde was born in Estonia on August 23, 1987. When in secondary school, Martti studied painting and composition at the local art school and was actively involved with school theatre. After graduating the high school with the Award of Merit in 2006 Martti immediately started his Bachelor degree studies in film directing at the Tallinn University Baltic Film and Media School. After the film school Martti turned his interest towards Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre(Higher Drama School) and acquired a Master degree in stage directing. Additional to the university studies Helde has also refined himself in screenwriting, dramaturgy and directing via completing various workshops in Berlin, Los Angeles and London.

Under Martti’s direction several short films and commercial campaigns have been made. His first feature length period drama ‘’In the Crosswind’’ completed in 2014 received a wide resonance in international media and was awarded the Best Film by the Estonian Film Journalist Union (member of FIPRESCI). That same year in September the film was selected for the international Toronto Film Festival, making ‘’In the Crosswind’’ the first Estonian film included in the festival’s main program. To this day Martti Helde’s ‘’In the Crosswind’’ has been screened more than 50 film festivals across the globe and won numerous awards.

Martti Helde is a highly valued young author for his daring ideas and innovative approach to the form and film language. His creative handwriting is characterised by tying together complex and diverse mediums; as well as Helde’s passion to play with the dramaturgy and form. Martti Helde’s professional devotion carries through both film and theatre, making his creations bold and remarkable.