Sports and Olympic Film Festival SOFF 2024

The title of European Capital of Culture is the top event in Estonia in 2024. We are bringing over 300 diverse events to people of all ages, and one of them is SOFF 2024! During the festival, ten sports films from different parts of Europe will be screened, addressing current topics in both the world of sports and society at large.

SOFF stands for the Sports and Olympic Film Festival, which is the first sports film festival in Estonia. It is initiated by the Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum located in Tartu and is taking place for the fourth time during the year when Tartu is the European Capital of Culture in 2024.

The film program seeks solutions to questions that would make us think about future generations, gender equality, and sustainability in sports – so that there won’t be a flood after us! Sport teaches us through the principles of fair play and Olympic values – respect, friendship, excellence – to be socially and environmentally responsible. But do we know how to pass on these values to those who are just taking their first steps in this world today?

Following the films, we will open and discuss what we have just seen with experts in the field, in order to give broader resonance to relevant themes and stimulate discussion in society.

SOFF 2024 is partially accessible to people with hearing impairments – the films have both Estonian and English subtitles.

Accessibility Information: The festival is partially accessible for visitors with mobility impairments – the cinema hall on the 3rd floor of Elektriteater is only accessible by stairs. On-site, we can assist with the transport and carrying of a person with mobility impairments to the cinema hall, provided that prior notice is given before the film screening to the email address [email protected].

Whether you are young or old, coming alone, with a friend, or as a group – if you want to be part of a change, come to the festival!

The duration of the films is approximately 1-1.5 hours, and the post-film discussion lasts about 1 hour.

Please, if possible, use public transport, bike, or walk to reach the Sports and Olympic Film Festival. The nearest bus stops for public transport are Kesklinn, Raeplats, Vabadussild, Palmihoone, and Lai. Bicycles can be conveniently parked in the unguarded bike parking area in front of Elektriteater.

The Sports and Olympic Film Festival SOFF 2024 is an official part of the main program of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024.

The Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum is a nominee for the European Museum of the Year 2024 and is the largest sports museum in the Baltic States, located on Tartu’s main street. The museum recently underwent a significant renovation, and alongside the interactive exhibition “The Story of Estonian Sports,” visitors can explore an exhibition on the ground floor that narrates the great fire of Tartu, set amidst the visible city walls. At the Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum, visitors have the opportunity to test their skills in various sports and, in doing so, become acquainted with the history of sports in Estonia.

If you want to grab a bite or need a place to stay, see what the Tartu 2024 hospitality network offers in the area: https://tartu2024.ee/recommendations-tartucity