Estonia’s ‘Rolling Papers’ Aims for Oscar Glory with Unique Storytelling

Young filmmaker Meel Paliale is making waves in the film industry with his debut feature, Rolling Papers (Estonian: Pikad Paberid), which has been selected as Estonia’s entry for the 2026 Academy Award for Best International Feature. The film follows the life of Sebastian, a young store clerk whose mundane existence is transformed when he meets the free-spirited Silo. Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery that involves cannabis use and dreams of escaping to sunny Brazil.

The film features a talented cast, including Mihkel Kuusk, Karl Birnbaum, Maria Helena Seppik, Edgar Vunš, and Juhan Soon. Cinematography is handled by Markus Mikk, while production credits go to Rain Rannu and Tõnu Hiielaid of Tallifornia. International sales are being managed by Baltic Crime.

Premiere and Reception

premiered at the 2024 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, where it garnered significant acclaim by winning the audience award in the International Youth Competition. It later received the prestigious Film of the Year award from the Cultural Endowment of Estonia.

Paliale, just 27 years old, has already developed a unique voice within the cinematic landscape. In an interview, he shared insights into the film’s origins, revealing that it draws heavily from his personal experiences and those of his friends. “It was really inspired by my life in Estonia,” he explained. “Most of the characters have real-life prototypes.”

Despite being set in the capital city, Tallinn, Paliale emphasized that the film explores universal themes of purpose and the challenges of adulthood. “All of the characters are searching for purpose and finding out what it means to be an adult and have responsibilities,” he noted.

Creative Vision and Filmmaking Style

Paliale’s approach to filmmaking is marked by a commitment to authenticity. He aimed to create a narrative that feels relatable, capturing moments of camaraderie among Sebastian and his friends as they navigate their lives. The film features minimal editing, with many scenes shot in long takes, presenting a real-time feel to the audience.

One notable scene, set in a Burger King, required a tense six-minute take that Paliale described as “particularly stressful.” The director faced time constraints during the shoot, but ultimately felt the scene was executed successfully.

In addition to directing and writing, Paliale took on multiple roles, including editing and scoring the film. “I’ve always done all these things myself,” he commented. “I never went to film school because I didn’t get in. But I have been making movies since I was a little kid.” His multifaceted involvement allows him creative freedom, particularly in crafting the film’s music, which eliminates concerns about copyright.

Paliale’s previous work, Tree of Eternal Love, also delved into existential themes, although he noted that each film has its distinct style and execution. “In all of my movies, there are existential problems that the characters face,” he stated, adding that he enjoys exploring different approaches to storytelling.

As makes its way through the Oscar submission process, Paliale feels both honored and excited. “It’s kind of surreal, but I’m really honored to represent Estonia at the Academy Awards,” he remarked. This marks his first visit to Los Angeles, and he is already focused on his next projects.

While details remain under wraps, Paliale is eager to return to Estonia to continue his work. “I still haven’t figured out how to pitch it yet,” he admitted, but he is optimistic about beginning production next summer.

As the journey of unfolds, Paliale’s story highlights the intersection of personal experience and artistic expression in cinema. With a promising future ahead, audiences will be watching closely as this young filmmaker continues to make his mark on the international stage.