Mehis Pihla, a prominent playwright and screenwriter for films such as 'Meie Erika' and 'Kalev', emphasized the restrictive international conventions of the sports film genre. Despite these constraints, he believes that through continuous comparison with real-life events, filmmakers can discover original moments that resonate with audiences. His insights are particularly relevant in the context of biographical films that aim to depict authentic and engaging stories of athletes.

Pihla has been working on the biographical film about the Estonian athlete Erika Salumäe for six years, completing the project five years ago. He elaborated on the extensive background research required to tell Salumäe's compelling story, which involves focusing on key events in her life and career as a decorated athlete. Pihla and his colleague German Golub concentrated on her journey to her first Olympic victory, highlighting the challenges she faced growing up in an orphanage and navigating through the Soviet era, where support systems for athletes were virtually non-existent.

The challenges of adapting real-life experiences into a sports narrative open a dialogue about storytelling in cinema. Pihla's reflections not only reveal the artistic intricacies involved in crafting a sports biopic but also underscore the importance of highlighting unique and personal stories within a genre that is often characterized by a formulaic approach. By focusing on personal narratives like Salumäe's, filmmakers can contribute to a richer and more diverse representation of the sports film genre.