Johannes Magnus Aule (Estonia)
Johannes Magnus Aule transitioned from producer to director during his studies at BFM. After his directorial debut won accolades, he never looked back, earning a spot at NFTS. He is currently developing a feature film and a HETV series with support from the Hungarian and Estonian film institutes.
“Big Zeus” – Short Fiction
Amid Estonia's 2008 financial crisis, a clergyman spirals into online gambling, using church funds for his addiction. His savvy 11-year-old daughter discovers the deceit and confronts him, seeking redemption.
"Big Zeus" is set in a small Estonian village during the 2008 economic downturn, where a church and its clergyman, Isa Koit, face the impact of societal changes brought by the internet and EU regulations. Koit becomes addicted to online gambling, worshipping a digital slot game called Big Zeus. He begins diverting church funds to feed his addiction. His daughter, Maria, a sharp 11-year-old who despises injustice, discovers her father's secret. Disturbed by their worsening poverty and her father’s deceit, she confronts him, demanding an end to his gambling. Despite her efforts, Koit's addiction deepens.
