In the Crosswind (2014)
A visually extraordinary Estonian drama about survival, memory, and the enduring human spirit in the face of Soviet deportation.
In the Crosswind - Movie Information
- Original Title: Risttuules
- Release Year: 2014
- Directed by: Martti Helde
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, History
- Runtime: 1h 26m
- Original Language: Estonian
- Spoken Languages: Russian, Estonian
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 28, 2014 (EE), March 11, 2015 (France - U), June 16, 2016 (Brazil)
- Production Companies: Baltic Pine Films, Allfilm
- Production Countries: Estonia
In the Crosswind - Plot
June 14, 1941, 3 a.m. Over 40000 people from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are deported by Soviets to Siberia. Among them is a philosophy student Erna, a happily married mother of a little girl. Separated from her husband, Erna and her daughter are dispatched together with other women and children to remote Siberian territories. Despite hunger, fear and brutal humiliation Erna never in next fifteen years loses her sense of freedom and hope of returning to homeland.
In the Crosswind - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and witness the film's extraordinary visual language in action.
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In the Crosswind - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Martti Helde
Main Cast
- Laura Peterson-Aardam
- Tarmo Song
- Mirt Preegel
- Ingrid Isotamm
- Einar Hillep
Writers
- Martti Helde
Producers
- Pille Rünk
- Piret Tibbo-Hudgins
In the Crosswind - FAQs
Is In the Crosswind based on a true story?
Yes. The film is inspired by the real letters and diary entries of Erna Tamm, an Estonian woman deported to Siberia by Soviet forces on June 14, 1941. Her writings form the emotional and narrative backbone of the film, grounding its poetic visual style in documented historical experience.
What is the unique visual style of In the Crosswind?
In the Crosswind is filmed almost entirely in long, unbroken tableaux vivants — living still photographs where actors hold poses while the camera slowly moves through the scene. This striking technique creates a frozen, dreamlike quality that powerfully evokes memory, loss, and the suspension of time experienced by deportees.
Where can you watch In the Crosswind?
In the Crosswind is available to stream for free on myfilmfriend. Availability may vary by region. For a full and up-to-date list of streaming and viewing options in your area, check JustWatch.
Who are the main actors in In the Crosswind?
The film stars Laura Peterson-Aardam as Erna, Tarmo Song as her husband Heldur, Mirt Preegel as Eliide, Ingrid Isotamm as Hermiine, and Einar Hillep as the Chairman of the Kolkhoz. Laura Peterson-Aardam carries the film with a deeply restrained and affecting central performance.
What is In the Crosswind about?
On June 14, 1941, Soviet forces deport over 40,000 people from the Baltic states to Siberia. Among them is Erna, a young Estonian philosophy student and mother, separated from her husband. The film follows her fifteen-year struggle to preserve her dignity, freedom of spirit, and hope of returning home.
Who directed In the Crosswind?
In the Crosswind was directed by Martti Helde, an Estonian filmmaker who also wrote the screenplay. The film marked a bold artistic debut on the international stage, earning Helde widespread critical recognition for his inventive use of the tableaux vivants technique and his sensitive handling of historical trauma.
What language is In the Crosswind in?
The film is primarily in Estonian, with Russian also spoken. It is an Estonian production, and international viewers will typically watch it with subtitles. The sparse, poetic use of language — including Erna's narrated letters — is central to the film's emotional and artistic impact.
What are similar films to In the Crosswind?
Viewers who appreciate In the Crosswind may also enjoy Life Is Beautiful (1997), The Pianist (2002), Au Revoir les Enfants (1987), The Garden of the Finzi-Continis (1970), Gloomy Sunday (1999), and Train of Life (1998) — all films that explore war, occupation, and human resilience with artistic depth.
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