Rolling Papers / Pikad paberid

Directed by Meel Paliale, drama, comedy, coming-of-age, 98 min, eng subtitles, 15+ Written by Meel Paliale, Estonia 2024
With Mihkel Kuusk, Karl Birnbaum, Maria Helena Seppik, Edgar Vunš, Juhan Soon 

Sebastian leads an unremarkable life as a store clerk in suburban Tallinn—until a chance encounter with Silo, a free-spirited dreamer, turns his world upside down. Together they escape into hazy afternoons of shared joints and talk of a one-way ticket to Brazil, where hope feels possible again. At its heart, Rolling Papers is a vivid coming-of-age drama tinged with comedy and rooted in the uncertainties of youth. It explores themes of friendship, individual versus society, and the yearning for a life filled with meaning—struggles familiar to many young adults in their twenties. This second feature from Meel Paliale premiered at the Just Film Festival in Tallinn, earning the distinction of “Audience Favourite,” celebrated for its authenticity, warmth and the natural feel of its dialogue. The youth jury also awarded it a special mention, applauding its heartfelt realism and the sincerity of its characters. With its keen observational prose, empathetic performances and youthful restlessness, Rolling Papers offers a subtle yet powerful reflection on what it means to search—for purpose, for connection, for the life you imagine.