Inspired by Mihkel Raud’s bestselling novel of the same name, this adventure comedy takes us into the wild world of young musicians in the late 1980s.

The blue-black-white flag is still forbidden, but Estonia is already experiencing a hidden movement that will soon lead to the restoration of independence. Audacious 17-year-old Mihkel embarks on a summer journey with his heavy metal band to perform at the most important music festival of their lives. His friend and rival Hendrik, whose band has just broken up, offers to join the group to impress the foreign music producers invited to the festival. A rocking dream team is assembled and the journey can begin. Hendrik promises to respect Mihkel’s leadership position, while bringing along his new girlfriend Liisa, who happens to be Mihkel’s dream girl. The tour, charged with bravado and alcohol, picks up momentum as the young heroes race through the absurd circumstances of a crumbling empire, colliding head-on with the comedy of their era. This wild road trip puts friendship, love, and dreams to the test. The music and adventure-filled journey culminates in a massive music festival where the young rockers must find the answer to the question “to be or not to be”?

The film is directed by Jaak Kilmi (The Dissidents, The Sleeping Beast, Shadow) and produced by Kristian Taska, Taska Film (The Vacationers, Class Reunion, Names in Marble), Tanel Tatter and Veiko Esken, Apollo Film Productions (Melchior the Apothecary, Where The Heart Is, Faulty Brides) and Janis Kalejs Film Angels Studio (Dawn of War, The Dissidents, Melchior the Apothecary), Rain Rannu and Tõnu Hiielaid Tallifornia (Rolling Papers, Child Machine, Chasing Ponies). The screenplay is by Martin Algus (Kalev, Life and Love, The Dissidents), cinematographer Elen Lotman, production designers Katrin Sipelgas and Kristaps Kalsers, costume designer Anu Lensment.

Leading roles are played by Timotheus Sammul (Mihkel), Erik Hermaküla (Hendrik), Erling Eding (Kojamees) and Carolyn Veensalu (Liisa). Other cast members include Carmen Mikiver, Nikolai Bentsler, Ago Anderson, Jaune Kimmel, Simo Andre Kadastu, Rain Tolk and others.

“Dirt In Your Face” is supported by the Estonian Film Institute, Cultural Endowment, Viru Film Fund and Tartu Film Fund, Latvian Film Centre and Latvian state rebate funds. Film sponsors include Alexela, A.Le Coq, Apotheka, Postimees, Kanal 2, Coca-Cola, Tradehouse and Babe.

The film will reach theaters in fall 2026. Distributed by Hea Film.