On Monday, German Golub's debut feature film 'Our Erika' premiered in Tallinn, portraying the challenging childhood, tumultuous youth, and inspiring journey of Erika Salumäe, an Olympic champion. The film chronicles Salumäe's path from a girl in a children's home to a world-record holder and Olympic gold medalist, highlighting the struggles she faced including an abusive foster grandmother and obstacles from self-serving individuals throughout her career. Furthermore, the film poignantly illustrates the need for heroes within communities while raising the question of what those heroes need themselves.

Erika Salumäe, known not only as a powerful athlete but also as a politician, gained prominence when she was celebrated as Estonia's Olympic hero during the national awakening in 1988, a time when the public felt unity and pride in their identity. The film has the potential to resonate strongly with viewers, not only for its stunning visual storytelling but also for its deep emotional and historical context surrounding Estonia's own narrative of struggle and success.

Directed by the student-Oscar winning German Golub and featuring actress Karolin Jürise in the leading role, 'Our Erika' becomes more than just a biopic about a sports figure; it dives into the complexities that challenge many individuals on their paths to greatness. As Estonia continues to foster its cultural identity through storytelling, this film stands as a significant contribution to the understanding of personal and national triumphs.