Taarka (2008): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2008, Taarka is a drama film directed by Ain Mäeots, running about 94 minutes.

What it’s about. The first film in the Seto language in the world speaks about the brightest heroine of a small people, the folk singer Hilana Taarka, a woman who lived her whole life as an outcast in a small chimney-less hut; as an unmarried mother of children in poverty, begging her bread, doing odd jobs and singing. She always sang the truth, sometimes bitter, sometimes funny, sometimes cruel. She was feared, despised and coveted. Taarka sang throughout her remarkable life, throughout her fate, from a small Seto village to international fame. And she sang well. Really well. Taarka became the Mother of the Song, a legend. But as a woman, as a member of the community, the Seto people never really accepted her. Taarka - a despised woman and a worshiped singer.

Who’s in it. Taarka stars Inga Salurand as Young Taarka, Siiri Sisask as Darja 'Taarka' Pisumaa, Kaarel Oja as Young Vasso and Marje Metsur as Old Taarka, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.7/10, Taarka has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Taarka page.

If you liked it. Fans of Taarka tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.