Filming of The Secret Folk Dancer will start this summer in Estonia, followed by a shoot in the autumn in London with an international cast and crew.
 
The film follows a 17-years-old teenager’s life in London: Rein is part of a multicultural family and keeps his passion for Estonian folk dance secret from his skateboarding friends, but in pursuing his own path his two worlds collide.
 
The production team is now seeking to fund the first section of the film through both a crowdfunding campaign, which aims to raise £54,000, and sponsorship.
 
Mr Barton, executive producer, said: “The film is inspired by true stories and in a world riven by war and conflict in Eastern Europe I really felt that this film, partly set in a Baltic State bordering Russia, would appeal to an audience worldwide.
 
“It’s important to support new creative talents and to open people’s eyes to the different worlds and lives in countries other than our own.”
 
Director and co-writer Teele Dunkley has already directed almost 30 projects, including short films and music videos.
 
Her latest work is the short film Losing Us, which was made in Norfolk with producer Lesley van Dijk, and is now doing the festival rounds; The Secret Folk Dancer will be her first feature film.
 
Ms Dunkley said: “I’ve been wanting to make this film for years. It’s a dedication to the Estonian people, the culture and joy of folk dancing.
 
“The theme of multiculturalism is important to me because my own daughter is British-Estonian and we have woven in some of the elements that she faces.
 
“I also look forward to filming in Central London, which will be the backdrop for Rein’s teenage life that spirals beyond his control while showcasing action-packed skateboarding scenes.”
 
Although centred on Estonian dancing, many other dance styles are featured in the film and the filmmakers hope the dance communities across the globe will embrace this film.
 
With the Ukraine war now raging along the Russian border, the cultural connection and wish to keep folk dancing alive is stronger than ever among the European countries that were formerly ruled by the Soviet Union.
 
See our earlier stories:

• Film team organises party to raise funds to go global
• Stephen Fry supports short film being filmed in Reepham
• Award-winning script crowdfunds to film in Reepham