In northeastern Estonia, Ida-Viru County is quietly reinventing itself - transforming from an industrial heartland into one of the Baltic region’s most intriguing creative frontiers.
At the center of this transformation stand two key forces: the Viru Film Fund and the IDA Hub Film and Multimedia Innovation Centre. Together, they form the backbone of a creative ecosystem that combines funding, infrastructure, and innovation.
The Viru Film Fund, managed by the Ida-Viru Enterprise Centre (IVEK), offers up to 40% cash rebates for productions filmed in the region. With no artistic restrictions and no minimum spend, it has earned a reputation as one of the most flexible and filmmaker-friendly incentive schemes in Northern Europe. This approach has already attracted international productions such as The Agency and The Swedish Torpedo, while supporting homegrown titles like Mud on Your Face (Taska Film) and At Your Service (Stellar Film).
The rare concept of IDA Hub film innovation centre unites a modern space for film production, skilled local production support, and technology-driven startup innovation. Behind this concept stand three partners: Ida-Viru Investment Agency, Tehnopol Science and Business Park, and Ida-Viru Enterprise Centre.
Ida-Viru Investment Agency (IVIA) is developing the largest studio complex in the Nordics, due for completion in early autumn 2026. The facility will feature two large sound stages, 1,200 m² and 2,000 m², alongside post-production suites, workshops, offices, and full on-site support. Designed to meet both domestic and international production standards, the complex aims to offer filmmakers a complete, cost-efficient alternative within Northern Europe. To date, 50% of the construction work has been completed, and the construction company is moving ahead of schedule.
Film and Multimedia Accelerator, powered by Tehnopol, which offers a strong and practical journey, from hackathons and bootcamps to acceleration and growth, helping teams with bold ideas reach market readiness and attract investment. Each team is supported by a dedicated lead mentor, a seven-part training program, and access to community events and top industry experts. The accelerator focuses on early-stage tech startups developing tools for the next generation of storytelling - from XR and animation to AI-driven production and post-production innovation. To date, 11 teams have joined the accelerator, and the most promising ones will pitch their solutions on the stage of PÖFF Industry.
Ida-Viru Enterprise Centre (IVEK) runs the Film Industry Incubation Programme, a hands-on initiative for professionals and entrepreneurs looking to enter the audiovisual sector. Participants receive practical training, work with a mentor from the industry, and get guidance from a business consultant, helping them build industry connections and transition into film and TV production. The programme focuses on essential behind-the-scenes roles: from logistics and photography to hair and makeup and set construction.
Together, these initiatives are turning Ida-Viru into a full-spectrum creative region, one where stories are imagined, produced, and brought to life. Backed by the EU Just Transition Fund, this evolution represents more than cultural growth; it’s a blueprint for regional renewal, where creativity and innovation build the foundations of a more resilient future for northeastern Estonia.
Written by Teet Kuusmik
The article was published in Estonian Film Magazine 3/2025. Read the magazine here.