Ice, Men and a Starling (Jää, mehed ja kuldnokk)

On the frozen waters of Hiiumaa, 87-year-old Vello Jürjo, a legendary figure in the world of ice sailing, begins building his very last iceboat. Hearing the news, his grandson, director Mihkel Oksmann, rushes to document the process. What follows is a beautifully observed, funny and warm film about the passing of time, the changing seasons, and the stubborn refusal to let go of the things that make us feel alive.

What begins as a look at an obscure winter sport quickly deepens into a rich portrait of male bonding, aging, and unspoken love. Far from a leisurely trip down memory lane the film weaves beautiful archival footage of Vello’s past victories into a present-day story where moments of silence speak volumes.

“Ice, Men and a Starling” is a deeply moving and life-affirming documentary. Mihkel Oksmann delivers a heartwarming exploration of stubborn passion and intergenerational ties, offering a poetic reminder that while growing old is mandatory, growing up remains entirely optional.

Mike Arnott