Estonian Film ‘New Money’ Explores Wealth’s Comedic Chaos
The new film *New Money*, directed by Estonian filmmaker Rain Rannu, had its international debut at the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival on November 14, 2023. The movie offers a humorous exploration of wealth and its consequences, posing the intriguing question: what would you do with over 50 million euros, equivalent to about $58 million?
This marks Rannu’s fifth feature film and serves as a follow-up to his 2023 dramedy *Free Money*. The screening attracted a full audience, who responded with laughter at the film’s comedic take on financial windfalls. Returning to their roles from *Free Money*, actors Märt Pius and Steffi Pähn portray the characters Taavi and Liisa, who find their lives turned upside down when they unexpectedly come into a fortune.
The plot centers around the couple, who, in an effort to promote financial literacy, agree to a tabloid interview. However, their candidness leads to a flood of anonymous insults, unsolicited offers, and questionable proposals, including encounters with a con artist. As the synopsis reveals, Taavi soon finds himself regretting the day he became a millionaire through 50 million euros in Bitcoin.
Rannu shared insights into the creative process behind *New Money*. He acknowledged that while the film is not a direct sequel, he wanted to revisit the beloved characters. “When I made the last one, I really liked those two characters, and I thought that maybe it would be great to spend some more time with them,” Rannu explained. “So I wrote something, sent it to the actors, and they said: ‘Sure, yeah, absolutely.’ It was a very organic process.”
The film also features a significant setting in Miami, which added a unique backdrop for the story. Rannu discussed his role in editing the film, stating, “I really enjoy the process, because in editing, you can make it or break it. There are so many things you can do, especially with micro nuances – what to focus on more, what to focus on less.”
With themes such as “more money, more problems,” the film delves into the challenges that accompany sudden wealth. Rannu noted that the couple’s newfound fortune brings a series of complications, highlighting a central message of the film.
Looking ahead, Rannu hinted at the possibility of further exploring this universe. “A couple of good ideas are floating around already,” he mentioned, suggesting potential stories for the characters introduced in *New Money*. As audiences anticipate the film’s release, its humorous yet thought-provoking narrative promises to resonate with viewers navigating their own financial dreams and dilemmas.
For those interested, a trailer for *New Money* is available online, showcasing the engaging blend of comedy and commentary on wealth that Rannu has crafted.
