The film industry welcomed a new comedic exploration of wealth with the international premiere of New Money at the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival on November 14, 2023. Directed by Estonian filmmaker Rain Rannu, this feature delves into the question of what one would do with a windfall of 50 million euros, equivalent to approximately $58 million.
Audience members filled the venue, responding with laughter as they watched the story unfold. Building on themes introduced in Rannu’s previous work, Free Money, this film features returning actors Märt Pius and Steffi Pähn as the central couple, Taavi and Liisa. The cast also includes Ivo Uukkivi, Elina Masing, Edgar Vunš, and Keith Siilats, all part of Rannu and Tõnu Hiielaid’s production company, Tallifornia. Sales rights are handled by Baltic Crime.
The plot centers on Taavi and Liisa, a humble teacher and an IT wizard, who gain sudden wealth through Bitcoin. Their decision to give an interview triggers a series of unexpected challenges, including anonymous insults and unwanted proposals. The synopsis highlights the chaos that ensues as Taavi grapples with the implications of becoming a millionaire overnight.
Rannu shared insights about the film’s development, emphasizing that while New Money is not a direct sequel to Free Money, it allowed for an exploration of characters he grew fond of in his earlier work. “I thought it would be great to spend some more time with them. I sent the script to the actors, and they were enthusiastic about returning,” he explained.
During the premiere, Rannu recounted amusing anecdotes from filming, particularly scenes set in Miami, which play a prominent role in the story. He also spoke about his hands-on approach to editing, noting that the process is critical to shaping the narrative. “In editing, you can make it or break it,” he stated, highlighting the importance of refining focus on key moments.
As the narrative unfolds, the couple’s sudden wealth brings a multitude of complications, reinforcing the adage that “more money, more problems.” Rannu articulated this thematic element as a central takeaway from the film.
Looking ahead, he hinted at the possibility of further exploration in this cinematic universe. “A couple of good ideas are floating around already,” he revealed, indicating interest in expanding the stories of characters from both New Money and its predecessor.
For those interested, a trailer for New Money is available online, showcasing the film’s comedic take on wealth and its consequences. This latest offering from Rannu promises to engage audiences while prompting reflections on the complexities of financial abundance.
