Estonian Film Institute

The Estonian Film Institute (EFI) is a national foundation financed primarily by the Ministry of Culture, dedicated to supporting and advancing Estonia’s film industry. Structured into three main departments—Production; Outreach and Audience Engagement; and Film Heritage and Education—EFI covers a comprehensive range of activities within the field of filmmaking. The Heritage Department also plays an essential role in promoting film literacy, ensuring a lasting appreciation of film across generations in Estonia. In collaboration with the Film Archive, it also manages a digital platform for Estonian films, Arkaader.

EFI is responsible for the incentive support scheme Film Estonia, through which film and TV production companies can receive a cash rebate of up to 30% on eligible local production spending. A subsidiary called Tallinnfilm is part of the EFI family, managing the arthouse cinema Artis. Another member of the EFI network is the Creative Europe MEDIA Desk, which facilitates access to financing and educational opportunities provided by the European Union. EFI is also the organizer of the annual Estonian Film and TV Awards (EFTA), celebrated with the EFTA Gala night.

The goal of the Estonian Film Institute is to be open and accessible to filmmakers, to ensure that film remains a vital part of Estonian culture, and to make Estonian cinema more visible and competitive internationally.