Estonia Selects “Rolling Papers” as Its 2026 International Oscar Contender

The Republic of Estonia has officially chosen its submission for the Academy Awards. The film “Rolling Papers” will represent the nation in the 2026 Best International Feature Film Oscar race. The selection was confirmed by Estonia’s national committee this week.

This marks a significant milestone for the young filmmaker behind the project. Director Meel Paliale’s feature is now on the path to potential global recognition.

A Personal Story of Youth and Escape

“Rolling Papers” tells a relatable story. It follows a young store clerk named Sebastian. His mundane life is disrupted after meeting a free spirit named Silo.

Their friendship leads to smoking weed and dreaming of escape. Their goal is a one-way trip to sunny Brazil. The film premiered at the 2024 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.

It won the audience award in the youth competition. According to The Hollywood Reporter, it later won Estonia’s Film of the Year honor. The movie is deeply personal for its creator.

Director Meel Paliale drew from real life. “It was really inspired by my life in Estonia,” he told THR. He based it on experiences shared with his friends.

The Director’s Hands-On Creative Journey

Paliale is a true multi-hyphenate talent. He wrote, directed, edited, and scored the film himself. This hands-on approach stems from his early start in filmmaking.

“I have been making movies since I was a little kid,” he explained. He never attended formal film school. He simply continued doing everything himself out of necessity and passion.

The production style aimed for authenticity. Many scenes were shot in single, long takes. This created a natural, hanging-out vibe for the audience.

A challenging six-minute scene was shot in a Burger King. The crew had only one hour to complete the complex take. Paliale said the stressful shoot ultimately yielded a great result.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the film “Rolling Papers” about?

It follows a young store clerk whose life changes after meeting a free-spirited friend. Together, they dream of escaping their routine lives for an adventure in Brazil. The story explores themes of purpose and adulthood.

Who directed Estonia’s Oscar submission?

The film was written and directed by 27-year-old Estonian filmmaker Meel Paliale. He also edited and scored the movie. This is his first feature to be submitted for the Oscars.

Has the movie won any awards?

Yes. It won the audience award at the 2024 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. It also received the Film of the Year honor from Estonia’s Cultural Endowment.

What does the director say about the Oscar submission?

Paliale calls the selection “surreal” and an honor. He is representing his country at the Academy Awards for the first time. The director is already working on his next project.

What was the filming style for “Rolling Papers”?

The director used many long, single-take shots to create authenticity. This style aimed to make viewers feel like they were hanging out with the characters. It presented technical challenges during production.

Estonia’s choice highlights a fresh voice in cinema. The submission of “Rolling Papers” for the International Oscar showcases the country’s commitment to authentic, youth-driven storytelling on the world stage.