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Estonian films are often perceived as bleak and gloomy. At first, this short documentary seems to fit the stereotype. But the gloominess of 10,000 Steps to Smoking Areas isn’t oppressive. Instead, it carries the story forward with honesty. It invites viewers to confront something many prefer to ignore: the final chapter of life. However painful, this short film keeps audiences engaged throughout.

Legendary Estonian radio voice Mart Pukk has now spent several years in a care home, living with ataxia (a combination of coordination and speech disorders). His days follow a slow and repetitive rhythm: meals in the common room, watching the sky from his window, and going outside for a smoke – the only activity that still brings him a sense of purpose and joy. Once a familiar voice to thousands of radio listeners, he now speaks mostly about his own decline, recalling what life used to be and what remains of it. The story also shows his reflections on death and his clear wish for what should happen to him after he is gone.

Minimal dialogue and amplified daily sounds highlight the slow ticking of life at its final stage. The clinking of cutlery in otherwise silent rooms emphasise the repetition of daily routines, while also crafting a haunting atmosphere. Dark wit becomes Pukk’s coping mechanism, protecting him and his loved ones from the raw truth. .The self-deprecating levity punctuates moments of reflection on mortality, providing both relief and insight into his resilience. Together, these elements make the audience acutely aware of the tension between fading physicality and the enduring spirit.

The short film presents an intimate portrait of Mart Pukk’s final years, balancing honesty with moments of dark humour. It makes viewers confront the realities of ageing, vulnerability, and mortality, while highlighting the small pleasures and choices that still give life meaning. Through its visual framing, sound design, and thoughtful storytelling, it leaves a lasting impression, reminding the audience that even at the end of life, dignity, humour, and joie-de-vivre are an integral part of your existence..

10,000 Steps to Smoking Area shows in the PÖFF Shorts section of the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. This review was written as part of the Film Review Workshop conducted on November 9th, 2025.