Film shoot could turn Aidu quarry into a new tourist attraction
A historical film titled "On the Jumera River" was shot near the Aidu quarry in Ida-Viru County, and its producer hopes the site could later become a recreation area. The film is due for release in autumn 2028.
Filming has taken place near the Aidu quarry in Ida-Viru County for a new historical film called "On the Jumera River". The film is based on the novel of the same name by Mait Metsanurk and on events surrounding a battle that took place in the 13th century. Production companies from Estonia, Latvia and Finland are involved in the project.
The story follows Vello, who was left alone in the forest as a child. Fate turns him into the leader of his home village, where he must save the woman he loves and defend Estonia against an invasion by crusaders. Director and screenwriter Mikk Mägi described the film as an adventurous, epic war story that contains tragedy and drama, but is above all about young people who mature as they go through hardship.
Blending history with artistic vision
The filmmakers faced the challenge of recreating early 13th-century Estonia on screen, a period about which relatively little historical detail is known. As a result, historical facts in the film are supplemented by the creative vision of the production team.
Producer Kristian Taska said the crew managed to find an ideal filming location in Ida-Viru County — the Aidu quarry — which required little investment in building sets. Taska expressed hope that after filming wraps, the site could be turned into a recreation area, potentially maintained by the State Forest Management Centre (RMK). The crew has already contributed by building a small bridge to improve access to the site and plans to put up a sign marking it as a filming location. Taska called the idea a good marketing move both for the film and for the Ida-Viru region.
"On the Jumera River" is scheduled to premiere in cinemas in autumn 2028.
