Estonia, known for its tech-savvy reputation as the birthplace of Skype, is taking a bold step forward with the launch of the Baltics’ first-ever hub aimed at bringing together creatives, tech professionals, and entrepreneurs to elevate the regional audiovisual sector to new heights.
The Ida Hub film and multimedia center is currently under construction in Eastern Estonia’s Ida-Viru county, near the Russian border. This groundbreaking initiative, set to open its state-of-the-art studios in 2026, will not only offer cutting-edge facilities but also focus on skills development. The project is closely linked to the prestigious Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.
With an investment of $18.2 million from the E.U.’s Just Transition Fund, the Ida Hub complex will feature a 21,500 square feet soundstage, a smaller multifunction studio, post-production facilities, and spaces dedicated to the creative industry. Three key partners are spearheading this venture: Ida Viru Investment Agency (IVIA), overseeing the entire complex; Ida-Viru Business Centre (IVEK), which manages Estonia’s first regional Viru Film Fund and nurtures future talents in the film industry; and Tehnopol, the largest science and business park in the Baltics, home to a film tech startup accelerator.
The primary goal behind this project, supported by the government and the E.U., is to revitalize the economic landscape of the region, which was once a mining industrial center but faced a decline in the 1990s. Teet Kuusmik from IVIA emphasized the importance of attracting the younger generation by investing in film and multimedia infrastructure, creating opportunities for both international productions and local talents to thrive in the industry.
Collaborating with Tehnopol, a successful IT incubator and startup accelerator in the region, was a crucial step in the development of the Ida Hub. Tehnopol operates the ‘Film and Multimedia Accelerator’ program, which focuses on supporting startups working in multimedia, virtual reality, augmented reality, and AI.
One of the startups, VisioTag, is actively involved in developing a tool to streamline video tagging and post-production workflow for media professionals and influencers. Additionally, the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival’s Creative Industry Hub startup is introducing dual AI solutions to enhance the festival experience for visitors and professionals.
Looking ahead, Tehnopol will be exploring new networking and business opportunities at the Marché du Film Cannes Next showcase for themselves and their startups. Meanwhile, IVEK’s Film Industry Incubation program provides hands-on training for professionals and entrepreneurs looking to enter the industry, focusing on essential behind-the-scenes roles.
Marge Liiske, head of Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event, highlights the transformative impact of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in turning the Ida-Viru region into an innovative film and multimedia hub. Through initiatives like KinoFF and hands-on training programs, the festival is nurturing local talent and building a strong crew base for the upcoming international film studio complex.
In conclusion, the Ida Hub project, with its focus on infrastructure development and talent cultivation, is poised to position Ida-Viru as Estonia’s second major audiovisual hub, contributing to the growth and sustainability of the region’s creative industry.
