TALLINN — The Estonian parliament has officially passed a law compelling streaming platforms to invest in the domestic film industry. In response, Netflix has announced plans to adapt the tale of Kalevipoeg into a series of short Instagram reels.
According to lawmakers, this initiative aims to elevate Estonia’s film profile while catering to the social media habits of today’s youths. “If Kalevipoeg can battle giants, he can definitely take on TikTok challenges,” stated Mart, the lead legislator for the bill.
Streaming representatives are less enthusiastic. “We were hoping to create another reality show about lavish sauna parties instead,” said a Netflix spokesperson who wished to remain anonymous. “But now we have to figure out how to make Estonian folklore appealing to teenagers who think a loaf of leib is a new TikTok dance."
"Kalevipoeg is already famous. Just give him a smartphone and let him do his thing!”
The initiative has sparked a discussion among directors, actors, and the general public about what constitutes an ‘Estonian film.’ Aivo, a local director and self-proclaimed expert in all things Kalevipoeg-related, remarked, “This law will boost production quality at Selver over traditional film studios!”
At press time, the draft script of Kalevipoeg’s new Instagram adventures was being translated into 37 different languages, in preparation for a global release.