The first cinema screenings in Estonia took place in 1896. In 1908, the first stationary cinema was opened. A network of fixed cinemas emerged in the early 20th century and by 1914 there were already 9 cinemas in the country.
The first film shot in Estonia dates back to 1912 and the first feature film had its premiere in 1914.

Soon after Estonia became an independent state in 1918 the domestic film industry began to thrive. The Estonia Film studio that operated from 1919-1932 assembled more than 140 newsreels about Estonian life.

Today, principal financing of Estonian film production goes through the Estonian Film Foundation, the Estonian Ministry of Culture, and the Cultural Endowment of Estonia.

Cinemas in Estonia
Coca-Cola Plaza, a multiplex cinema with 11 screens, opened its doors in 2001. The cinema has 1968 seats. Other large cinemas are situated in Tartu, Pärnu and Viljandi.  In total there are 81 screens in Estonia.

Practically speaking, all Estonian cinemas work as commercial companies. In fact, Estonia currently lacks an art-house cinema. In the coming years the Ministry of Culture, in co-operation with the Estonian Film Foundation, aims to establish a centre for quality films. The centre will receive support from the state budget in order to show European and other quality films and distribute them all over Estonia.

In addition, the Ministry of Culture has launched a programme for re-establishing a network of rural cinemas. The objective of the programme is to reopen cinemas in different counties. The programme will be financed in co-operation with local governments and private sponsors.

Estonia participates in the work of the Audiovisual Observatory (1996) and since July 2002 has been a full member of the European Union programme supporting audiovisual industry, MEDIA Plus, and the MEDIA Training Programme.
In 2003 support for Estonian filmmakers from the MEDIA Plus programme amounted to 490 000 euros.

In January 2004 Estonia joined EURIMAGE - the Council of Europe fund for the co-production, distribution and exhibition of European cinematographic works.

Admissions 1995-2002 (by all films in distribution)