100 stories from the hiking route

1973 – the film Ukuaru premiered

Information

Topic

Literature and culture

Coordinates

Long-Lat WGS 84

Latitude: 59.2551114

Longitude: 25.6616638

L-EST 97

x: 6569707.5
y: 594786.1

Location

Kauksi-Aegviidu Hiking route

Ukuaru, completed in 1973, was one of director Leida Laius’s most known films. The screenplay was written by Mats Traat, based on the novel by Veera Saar. Elle Kull (Minna) and Lembit Ulfsak (Aksel) give great performances as the main characters. The role of Minna’s father is played by Jüri Järvet. The film was shot in Aegviidu, on the shore of Mustjõe River, and in Pillapalu and Kehra.
The score is composed by Arvo Pärt. Ukuaru was the third collaboration between Leida Laius and Arvo pärt; preceded by From night ‘til morning (1962) and The milkman of Mäeküla (1965). It is probably most famous for the melodeon piece Ukuaru waltz, with which Aksel enchants Minna. It is a beloved musical piece that has also been played as the opening waltz on the ball of the Estonian Independence Day hosted by the President of Estonia.
In the words of Leida Laius: ‘A person’s own Ukuaru is one’s place in life, a place created by one’s own thoughts and hands. It means hard work, disappointments and discoveries, knowing your part and giving to fellow men in this world.’
Everyone needs to find their own Ukuaru to keep going.