Edith Sepp

Edith Sepp, Head of Estonian Film Institute

I am a seasoned film and television director with extensive experience in both creative and strategic leadership roles within the industry. My career began in the late 1980s as an Assistant Director at the Estonian state-run film studio Tallinnfilm. Over the course of afew years, I worked closely with both Estonian and international film crews, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in film production.

After earning a Master’s degree in Film and TV Drama in the UK, I transitioned to directing and producing, working on projects in Estonia and the United Kingdom. This period solidified my reputation as a skilled filmmaker, successfully balancing artistic vision with the complexities of directing and creative production.

In 2010, my career took a strategic turn when I became a Film Advisor to the Estonian Minister of Culture. In this role, I was instrumental in shaping the future of Estonia’s film industry, leading the development of a comprehensive industry strategy extending through 2030. Building on this success, I was appointed CEO of the national film fund, Estonian Film Institute (EFI), in 2013. In this position, I have overseen the EFI operations, introduced the cash-rebate mechanism, established the Estonian Film and TV Awards, preserved Estonia’s cinematic heritage, and promoted the country’s film industry internationally. My most recent commitment is the development of a soundstage, providing Estonian filmmakers with a dedicated space for high-quality productions.

My contributions extend beyond Estonia, as I have taken on significant roles in the European film industry. Since 2014, I have been a member of the European Film Agency Directors’ Board (EFAD), serving as Vice-President from 2018 to 2024. I also represent Estonia at the European Audiovisual Observatory (EAO), the Creative Europe Culture Management Board, and have served as Estonia’s representative to Eurimages since 2013. In recognition of my dedication to the film arts, I became a member of the European Film Academy (EFA) in 2020.

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the film industry, fostering international collaboration, and ensuring that Estonia’s cinematic achievements are recognised and appreciated on the global stage.