Every autumn, the quiet town of Põlva in southeastern Estonia transforms into a hub of raw cinematic adventure and natural storytelling during the Estonian Nature Film Festival. This event doesn't just screen films—it offers a rugged invitation to engage with nature through the lens of filmmakers who capture Estonia’s wild landscapes and animal life in their fierce, unfiltered states. As you walk the streets between venues, fresh forest air mingles with the buzz of eager conversations about creatures that dared to show themselves or the forests that refused to reveal all their secrets.

The festival spans several days each October, with screenings, workshops, and expert talks that blend visual storytelling with the practical knowledge of environmental research and outdoor experiences. Films cover a vast ground—from slow, deliberate shots of a beaver busy at its dam to rapid sequences capturing migratory birds as they push southward ahead of winter. Each film dares you to look closer, to respect the forces that move the wild world.

Põlva itself sits surrounded by patches of mature forest and wetlands. If you plan to come early or stay afterwards, you can lace up boots for a hike on trails that wind through spruce and pine, where moss clings like a soft carpet and rivers slip past, restless and daring. A popular nearby trail, the Ahja River path, covers about 7 kilometers with moderate elevation changes, gentle enough for casual hikers but rugged enough to feel like you’ve stepped into the scenes played out on screen. Expect uneven surfaces with patches of mud and some rocky sections; sturdy, waterproof footwear is a must.

Timing your visit is crucial. The festival's October schedule aligns with the fall foliage peak, adding a layer of crisp golds and reds to your visual experience. Mornings can be chilly, with dewy grass that clings to your pants, and evenings cool enough to remind you to pack layers.

For anyone eager to soak in Estonia’s wildness through both cinema and firsthand experience, the festival offers a perfect balance: a front-row seat to nature’s fiercest moments and a pragmatic pathway to step out and feel the forest’s pulse. Be prepared to take in long sits during screenings and long strolls on trail alike. Hydrate well, wear layered clothing, and don’t forget your camera or notebook—you’ll want to capture or jot down the scenes and stories that stick.

This festival is more than a cultural event; it’s a doorway to understanding nature as something fiercely alive, demanding patience and respect, alongside exhilaration. And in Põlva, every step, screen, and breath invites you to become part of that wild, exacting dance.