Private Project

Mooska

In the serene landscape of Haanja, Estonia, Mooska follows Eda Veeroja, renowned for her sauna healing capabilities, as she facilitates a healing session with a group of close friends as they embark on a transformative journey through the ancient Võromaa smoke sauna tradition. Amidst the fragrant smoke and rhythmic chants, they seek emotional and physical healing, shedding layers of trauma and finding solace in the shared experience. Through the ritual's cleansing heat and the power of community, a woman transitioning out of a difficult relationship emerges rejuvenated, carrying a renewed sense of peace and clarity, empowered through tradition and friendship.

  • Samuel Aarnio
    Director
    The Spirit of the Löyly (2024),
  • Samuel Aarnio
    Producer
    Co-Host Finland episode Perfect Sweat (2024), Producer multiple episodes at Sauna Channel
  • Eda Veeroja
    Key Cast
    "Ritual Healer"
    Smoke Sauna Sisterhood (2023)
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    12 minutes 14 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 18, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    Estonia
  • Language:
    Estonian
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Samuel Aarnio

Samuel is a Finnish Culture Producer and Senior Digital Marketing Consultant and has produced and starred in multiple Sauna Channel short films from Scandinavia and the Baltics, one of them being his own country cottage sauna hand built by his great grandfather by a Finnish lakeside.

During his time as culture producer he worked on three different continents at arts, music and culture events where he fell in love with storytelling and age-old traditions.

Samuel has a deep love for people, nature and preserving and spreading the cultural heritage of the sauna. Even as a Finn whos “grown up in the sauna” he very often finds himself learning something surprising about it.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

In the heart of Estonia, where ancient traditions intertwine with the healing power of nature, lies the profound ritual of the Võromaa smoke sauna. Our film, Mooska, is an invitation to experience the transformative journey of women seeking emotional and physical wellness through this sacred practice, a testament to the resilience and wisdom of Estonian culture.

Through a poetic visual language, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Mooska farm, honored on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The healing journey begins with the mindful gathering of medicinal herbs. The camera captures the delicate touch of hands selecting each herb, emphasizing the connection between the women and the earth's natural remedies.

Within the smoke sauna, Mooska explores the multi-sensory experience of the ritual where we move through the aromatic haze, capturing the interplay of light and shadow, the glistening sweat on skin, and the intimate connection shared between the women. The rhythmic pulse of drums and the ethereal harmonies of ancient chants will guide the audience into a state of deep contemplation, allowing them to feel the emotional release and spiritual cleansing taking place.

Mooska documents an exploration of the human need for healing and connection through Estonian tradition. It is a celebration of the resilience of the female spirit and the power of community to support and uplift. Through the lens of the Võromaa smoke sauna ritual, we hope to illuminate the universal quest for wellness and inspire audiences to seek their own paths to healing and wholeness.