In northeastern Estonia, Ida-Viru County is quietly transforming from its post-industrial roots into a rapidly rising creative hub. Long admired for its dramatic landscapes and cultural depth, the region is now gaining recognition for its emerging role in film and multimedia production.
Two key pillars support this transformation: the Viru Film Fund and the IDA Hub Film and Multimedia Innovation Centre. The Viru Film Fund, managed by the Ida-Viru Enterprise Centre (IVEK), offers filmmakers accessible financial incentives.
There’s three foundational forces to the IDA Hub Film and Multimedia Innovation Centre. The studio complex, developed by the Ida-Viru Investment Agency (IVIA), aims to deliver top-tier production infrastructure by 2026. In addition to physical infrastructure, IDA Hub also drives innovation and talent development. The IDA Hub film and multimedia accelerator, powered by Tehnopol, fosters innovation through tech-driven programmes for creative startups.Complementing this is the IDA Hub film industry incubation programme, run by the Ida-Viru Enterprise Centre (IVEK), which focuses on essential behind-the-scenes roles – ranging from logistics and catering to photography and coordination.
Together, these partners are building Ida-Viru into a full-spectrum creative ecosystem, turning it into one of the most exciting new regions in the Baltics for storytelling and media innovation.
Viru Film Fund: Fast, Flexible, and Transformative
The Viru Film Fund offers up to 40% cash rebates for feature films, documentaries, series, and music videos filmed in the region. With no artistic restrictions and no minimum spending threshold, it’s one of the most filmmaker-friendly programmes in the Baltics. As Piia Tamm from IVEK puts it, the fund was designed “to work for filmmakers, not against them.”
This simple yet effective approach has already attracted international attention. Productions like The Agency and The Swedish Torpedo have utilised the fund while employing local crews and promoting the region’s cinematic appeal.
Support for Estonian productions is equally important. In 2025, Taska Film will produce Mud on Your Face, a gritty drama infused with subculture. Stellar Film will bring At Your Service to life, exploring identity and personal transformation themes.
These stories focus on local people, landscapes, and perspectives, highlighting the region’s growing role in shaping Estonia’s national narrative through cinema.
Studio Complex: Building the Infrastructure for Creativity
To support this creative momentum, Ida-Viru is building a modern studio complex, with completion set for 2026. The facility will include two large sound stages (1,200 m² and 2,000 m²), postproduction suites, office space, workshops, and on-site support services for film crews.
Teet Kuusmik from IVIA describes the vision clearly: “It’s not just about walls and lights – it’s about giving creators everything they need, right here.”
The complex is tailored to meet the demands of both international and domestic productions, offering cost-effective European solutions for filmmakers while giving Estonian creatives infrastructure to match their ambitions.
With the construction already underway, the studio is positioned to become a cornerstone of the region’s creative economy.
IDA Hub: Tech Innovation Driving New Narratives
Beyond traditional filmmaking, Ida-Viru is carving out a space for digital innovation. The IDA Hub Film and Multimedia Accelerator, powered by Tehnopol, supports startups building tools and platforms for the film and media industries – from XR and animation tech to AI tools and automated content creation.
Estonia has long been a leader in the startup world, topping Europe in unicorns and capital raised per capita. Tehnopol has helped drive this growth for over 15 years, with a 60% startup survival rate and more than €25 million raised in 2024 alone. “Filmmaking is getting more expensive,” says Olga Kurdovskaja, the accelerator’s programme manager. “Without technology, it’s hard to stay competitive. That’s why collaboration between creatives and coders is key to transforming how stories are told.”
The accelerator offers access to expert mentorship, training, investor introductions, and industry networking – creating fertile ground for future storytelling innovation.
Training Local Talent for a Creative Future
To develop the local talent base, IVEK also runs the Film Industry Incubation Programme, a hands-on training initiative for professionals and entrepreneurs looking to move into the audiovisual sector. The programme focuses on essential behind-the-scenes roles: from logistics and catering to photography and coordination. “Many people don’t realise their everyday skills are exactly what productions need,” says programme manager Britta Merirand. “We’re helping them transfer those skills into a new, creative industry.”
Participants receive practical guidance, business support, and mentorship, enabling them to join the growing production ecosystem. The programme has made a meaningful impact on diversifying the region’s economy and creating new career paths.
Together, these incubation and acceleration efforts – spanning film, multimedia, gaming, and immersive content – ensure that Ida-Viru doesn’t just host productions; it helps start them.
A Region in Motion
With flexible funding, cutting-edge facilities, and forward-thinking innovation, Ida-Viru is emerging as one of Estonia’s most exciting creative destinations. Whether scouting locations, co-producing your next feature, or launching a startup that reimagines storytelling, Ida-Viru offers the blend of authenticity, affordability, and ambition that today’s creators are looking for.
Backed by the EU Just Transition Fund, these efforts are not only helping filmmakers – they’re building a more resilient, diversified regional economy.
Meet us at the Marché du Film or connect at idahub.ee.
Written by Eda Koppel, photos by Anastassia Volkova.
The article was published first in Baltic Film Magazine 2/2025. Browse the full edition here