Smoke Sauna Sisterhood (2023)

Smoke Sauna Sisterhood (2023). 1h 29m

“The very best documentaries open your eyes to a world that you never knew existed. They take you into the heart of that place where youu0026#39;re more than an observer but less than a participant.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eu0026quot;Smoke Sauna Sisterhoodu0026quot; achieves that feat on a number of levels. For a start I know nothing about Estonia and even less about its tradition of enjoying rustic sauna huts in the wild birch forest. The process of using these shacks has a very meditational quality about it in the lighting of the fire and the gathering of the water. These simple but foundational acts feel so very appreciated here.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAt the same time this particular sauna is women only and you see them naked and sweating, safe in this environment and comfortable in their own skins. As a man itu0026#39;s quite something to witness these women being so physically and emotionally vulnerable with each other. Theyu0026#39;re free to share their deepest fears and concerns in this nurturing space and itu0026#39;s wonderful.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe film also looks incredible with shooting clearly taking place in a range of seasons. The little light that makes it into the sauna refracts through shifting veils of smoke and reflects from limbs glowing in the firelight. You can almost smell the wood-smoke.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIs it for everyone? Perhaps not but if you have an open mind and a desire to glimpse the lives of others then bag yourself a ticket.”